Efficient hydrogen generation of ammonia borane by direct heat supply using a polyimide film heater

Abstract

This study developed a novel approach to ammonia borane (AB) and silica assembly for all-solid-state thermal dehydrogenation, which can be integrated into current hydrogen generation systems. The AB/silica assembly apparatus is created by attaching pelletized AB specimens to both sides of a polyimide film heater, thus facilitating direct heat supply. The temperature, pressure, and power consumption data of the heater demonstrate that the dehydrogenation reaction is completed within 2 min from the initiation of the electric heating signal. Notably, the temperature and pressure of the generated hydrogen gas reach 39.5 °C and 1.95 barg, respectively, and the maximum hydrogen yield reached 11.46 wt% during the experiment. The infrared spectroscopy analysis indicates that all AB/silica samples inside the assembly undergoes complete reaction. This direct heating method significantly reduces the energy required for AB thermal decomposition and it increases the amount of AB that can be used at once.