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What We Did
This project involves the design, synthesis and investigation of new molecules that are candidates for hydrogen storage applications. We used experimental and state-of-the-art theoretical techniques in the School of Physical and Chemical Sciences at UC. We studied the structure of the molecules in both the gas-phase and solid-state using gas electron diffraction, X-ray diffraction and computational methods. We have also utilized gas electron diffraction to observe how the hydrogen molecule(s) in these systems are released, and corroborated this using theoretical predictions of the release mechanism.
Who Was Involved
Dr Derek Wann – University of York, United Kingdom; Professor Jean-Claude Guillemin – University of Rennes, France; Professor Richard Wong – National University of Singapore, Singapore; Dr Aliyu Ja’o, University of Canterbury, New Zealand.
Why It Matters
In the field of renewable energy and energy efficiency, the development of new materials for hydrogen storage is a critical research area. Hydrogen storage materials are often presented as viable alternatives to our dependence on fossil fuels. Fossil fuel vehicles account for about 30% of greenhouse gas emissions. Hydrogen is well suited to be an alternative to fossil fuel because it does not produce pollution during combustion. It is the lightest fuel with high energy per weight and is also very compatible with fuel cells.
This project set out to identify new materials for future onboard hydrogen storage applications. We observed the first in situ dehydrogenation of an amine borane system using gas-phase electron diffraction which was supported by theoretical findings. A minimal energy requirement for the dehydrogenation reactions has been shown. We have demonstrated that the reactions are exergonic (there is a net release of energy) and close to thermoneutral (not much heat is needed to release the hydrogen gas) thus implying that these materials have potential in future transport applications.
Learn More
- Ja’o, A. M.; Masters, S. L.; Wann, D. A.; Rankine, C. D.; Nunes, J. P. F.; Guillemin, J.-C. J. Phys. Chem. A. 2019, 123(32), 7104-7112.
- Ja'o, A.M.; Wann, D.A.; Rankine, C.D.; Polson, M.I.J.; Masters, S.L. Aust. J. Chem. 2020, 73(8), 794-802.
- Ja’o, A. M.; Masters, S. L. CiNZ J. 2020, 84 (2), 59-63.
