Mild-condition synthesis of A2ZnH4(A = K, Rb, Cs) and their effects on the hydrogen storage properties of 2LiH-Mg(NH2)2

In this paper, A2ZnH4(A = K, Rb and Cs) have been synthesized for the first time by a new approach involving in two-step reactions, in which the target samples can be produced under mild conditions(160 ℃ for 4 h). What’s more, the additive effects of A2ZnH4 on the hydrogen storage properties of 2LiH-Mg(NH2)2 composite have been investigated systematically. Experimental results show that K2ZnH4 has the best comprehensive modification effects among these hydrides. The 2LiH-Mg(NH2)2-0.1 K2ZnH4 sample shifts dehydrogenation peak temperature downwards by ca. 30 ℃ as compared to the pristine sample. In addition, about 70% extent of the theoretical hydrogen is able to desorb from the 0.1 K2ZnH4 doped sample at 140 ℃ within 2 h, however, only 20% extent of hydrogen is liberated from the pure sample under the same conditions. The improved desorption kinetics is indicated by the reduced dehydrogenation activation energy(Ea), the Ea of the 0.1 K2ZnH4 doped sample is around 68 ± 1.0 kJ mol-1 which is 28% lower than that of the pristine one. Furthermore, the dehydrogenation mechanism of the K2ZnH4 doped sample has been proposed.