Lithium Borohydride Fuel

Lithium borohydride fuel is a chemical compound that has the molecular formula LiBH4. It is a white crystalline powder that is highly reactive and combustible. Lithium borohydride fuel is commonly used as a hydrogen storage material due to its high hydrogen content of 18.5 wt%.

When lithium borohydride fuel is heated, it undergoes a decomposition reaction that releases hydrogen gas. The decomposition process starts at around 250°C and is complete at temperatures above 400°C. The reaction can be represented by the following equation:

2LiBH4 → 2LiH + B2H6 + 3H2

The released hydrogen gas can be used as a fuel in fuel cells or other combustion processes. However, the use of lithium borohydride fuel is limited by its high cost and potential safety hazards associated with its reactivity and combustibility.

To mitigate these issues, research efforts are focused on developing new methods for synthesizing lithium borohydride fuel and improving its stability and safety properties.