Altered reaction pathways of eutectic LiBH4–Mg(BH4)2 by nanoconfinement

The effects of nanoconfinement on the dehydrogenation rate and reaction pathways of the eutectic LiBH4–Mg(BH4)2 have been comprehensively investigated. By means of thermal analysis, mass spectroscopy and solid state 11B MAS NMR, it has been revealed that the multistep thermal decomposition pattern of the binary LiBH4–Mg(BH4)2 has been altered in a two-step reaction and the desorption kinetics has also been significantly improved after infiltration. The formation of diborane and stable MnB12H12 intermediates of the bulk LiBH4–Mg(BH4)2 has been found to be inhibited by nanoconfinement.