Light Metal Hydrides Research Articles

Nanoparticulate ZrNi: In Situ Disproportionation Effectively Enhances Hydrogen Cycling of MgH2.

High thermal stability and sluggish absorption/desorption kinetics are still important limitations for using magnesium hydride (MgH2) as a solid-state hydrogen storage medium. One of the most effective solutions in improving hydrogen storage properties of MgH2 is to introduce a suitable catalyst. Herein, a novel nanoparticulate ZrNi with 10-60 nm in size was successfully prepared by co-precipitation followed by a molten-salt reduction process. The 7 wt % nano-ZrNi-catalyzed MgH2 composite desorbs 6.1 wt % hydrogen starting from ∼178 °C after activation, lowered by 99 °C relative to the pristine MgH2 (∼277 °C). The dehydrided sample rapidly absorbs ∼5.5 wt % H2 when operating at 150 °C for 8 min. The remarkably improved hydrogen storage properties are reasonably ascribed to the in situ formation of ZrH2, ZrNi2, and Mg2NiH4 caused by the disproportionation reaction of nano-ZrNi during the first de-/hydrogenation cycle. These catalytic active species are uniformly dispersed in the MgH2 matrix, thus creating a multielement, multiphase, and multivalent environment, which not only largely favors the breaking and rebonding of H-H bonds and the transfer of electrons between H- and Mg2+ but also provides multiple hydrogen diffusion channels. These findings are of particularly scientific importance for the design and preparation of highly active catalysts for hydrogen storage in light-metal hydrides.

Nanostructured light metal hydride: Fabrication strategies and hydrogen storage performance

Hydrogen can play an important role in the development of a sustainable energy system. However, storing hydrogen in a safe, efficient and economical manner remains a huge challenge. Light metal hydrides have attracted considerable attention for hydrogen storage owing to their high gravimetric and volumetric hydrogen densities. However, the strong covalent and/or ionic bonds between metal atoms and hydrogen result in slow kinetics, poor reversibility, and temperatures too high for dehydrogenation, hence delaying their practical large–scale applications. Considerable efforts have been toward tailoring the thermodynamic and kinetic properties of light metal hydride–based hydrogen storage materials for performance improvement, with the fabrication of nanoscale particles being a key and effective strategy. This review covers the preparation methods and hydrogen storage performance of nanostructured light metal hydrides. The physical and chemical properties and hydrogen storage behaviors of reversible light metal hydrides are first summarized, including MgH2, borohydrides, aluminum hydrides, amide–hydride systems, and hydride composites. The second section focuses on the research progress in nanostructuring for enhancing the reversible hydrogen storage properties of these hydrides. Finally, the main challenges and the future research prospects are discussed. The combination of nanostructuring and nanocatalysis can significantly enhance the performance of these hydrides and make them practical hydrogen carriers.

Light-Driven Reversible Hydrogen Storage in Light-Weight Metal Hydrides Enabled by Photothermal Effect.

Requiring high temperature for hydrogen storage is the main feature impeding practical application of light metal hydrides. Herein, to lift the restrictions associated with traditional electric heating, light is used as an alternative energy input, and a light-mediated catalytic strategy coupling photothermal and catalytic effects is proposed. With NaAlH4 as the initial target material, TiO2 nanoparticles uniformly distribute on carbon nanosheets (TiO2 @C), which couples the catalytic effect of TiO2 and photothermal property of C, is constructed to drive reversible hydrogen storage in NaAlH4 under light irradiation. Under the catalysis of TiO2 @C, complete hydrogen release from NaAlH4 is achieved within 7min under a light intensity of 10sun. Furthermore, owing to the stable catalytic and photothermal effect of TiO2 @C, NaAlH4 delivers a reversible capacity of 4wt% after 10 cycles with a capacity retention of 85% under light irradiation only. The proposed strategy is also applicable to other light metal hydrides such as LiAlH4 and MgH2 , validating its universality. The concept of light-driven hydrogen storage provides an alternative approach to electric heating, and the light-mediated catalytic strategy proposed herein paves the way to the design of reversible high-density hydrogen storage systems that do not rely on artificial energy.

Regulation of Kinetic Properties of Chemical Hydrogen Absorption and Desorption by Cubic K2MoO4 on Magnesium Hydride.

Transition metal catalysts are particularly effective in improving the kinetics of the reversible hydrogen storage reaction for light metal hydrides. Herein, K2MoO4 microrods were prepared using a simple evaporative crystallization method, and it was confirmed that the kinetic properties of magnesium hydride could be adjusted by doping cubic K2MoO4 into MgH2. Its unique cubic structure forms new species in the process of hydrogen absorption and desorption, which shows excellent catalytic activity in the process of hydrogen storage in MgH2. The dissociation and adsorption time of hydrogen is related to the amount of K2MoO4. Generally speaking, the more K2MoO4, the faster the kinetic performance and the shorter the time used. According to the experimental results, the initial dehydrogenation temperature of MgH2 + 10 wt% K2MoO4 composite is 250 °C, which is about 110 °C lower than that of As-received MgH2. At 320 °C, almost all dehydrogenation was completed within 11 min. In the temperature rise hydrogen absorption test, the composite system can start to absorb hydrogen at about 70 °C. At 200 °C and 3 MPa hydrogen pressure, 5.5 wt% H2 can be absorbed within 20 min. In addition, the activation energy of hydrogen absorption and dehydrogenation of the composite system decreased by 14.8 kJ/mol and 26.54 kJ/mol, respectively, compared to pure MgH2. In the cycle-stability test of the composite system, the hydrogen storage capacity of MgH2 can still reach more than 92% after the end of the 10th cycle, and the hydrogen storage capacity only decreases by about 0.49 wt%. The synergistic effect among the new species MgO, MgMo2O7, and KH generated in situ during the reaction may help to enhance the absorption and dissociation of H2 on the Mg/MgH2 surface and improve the kinetics of MgH2 for absorption and dehydrogenation.

Recent Development in Nanoconfined Hydrides for Energy Storage.

Hydrogen is the ultimate vector for a carbon-free, sustainable green-energy. While being the most promising candidate to serve this purpose, hydrogen inherits a series of characteristics making it particularly difficult to handle, store, transport and use in a safe manner. The researchers’ attention has thus shifted to storing hydrogen in its more manageable forms: the light metal hydrides and related derivatives (ammonia-borane, tetrahydridoborates/borohydrides, tetrahydridoaluminates/alanates or reactive hydride composites). Even then, the thermodynamic and kinetic behavior faces either too high energy barriers or sluggish kinetics (or both), and an efficient tool to overcome these issues is through nanoconfinement. Nanoconfined energy storage materials are the current state-of-the-art approach regarding hydrogen storage field, and the current review aims to summarize the most recent progress in this intriguing field. The latest reviews concerning H2 production and storage are discussed, and the shift from bulk to nanomaterials is described in the context of physical and chemical aspects of nanoconfinement effects in the obtained nanocomposites. The types of hosts used for hydrogen materials are divided in classes of substances, the mean of hydride inclusion in said hosts and the classes of hydrogen storage materials are presented with their most recent trends and future prospects.

Ultrafast hydrogenation of magnesium enabled by tetragonal ZrO2 hierarchical nanoparticles

Transition metal catalysts are particularly effective in improving the reaction kinetics of light metal hydrides for reversible hydrogen storage. Herein, tetragonal ZrO2 hierarchical nanoparticles (nano-ZrO2) composed of primary particles of ∼4 nm in diameter are successfully synthesized by a facile one-pot solvothermal process. The unique hierarchical structure features homogeneous distributions of in situ formed multivalent Zr-based species, which allow superior catalytic activity for hydrogen storage in MgH2. The MgH2+10 wt% nano-ZrO2 starts releasing H2 at 163 °C after one activation, which is 107 °C lower than additive-free MgH2, and 50 °C lower than that of bulk ZrO2-doped MgH2. At 230 °C, 5.9 wt% of H is rapidly liberated within 20 min from the nano-ZrO2-containing MgH2. More importantly, the material shows superior hydrogenation kinetics compared with all reported catalyst-modified MgH2. The nano-ZrO2-containing Mg took up 4.0 wt% of H in only 12 s at 100 °C under 50 bar H2, 400 times faster than the bulk-ZrO2-modified sample. Even at 50 °C, approximately 1.8 wt% H was absorbed within 1 min. Our findings provide useful insights into the design and development of high-performance catalysts toward solid-state hydrogen storage materials.

Potassium hydride-intercalated graphite as an efficient heterogeneous catalyst for ammonia synthesis

Due to the high energy needed to break the N ≡ N bond (945 kJ mol−1), a key step in ammonia production is the activation of dinitrogen, which in industry requires the use of transition metal catalysts such as iron (Fe) or ruthenium (Ru), in combination with high temperatures and pressures. Here we demonstrate a transition-metal-free catalyst—potassium hydride-intercalated graphite (KH0.19C24)—that can activate dinitrogen at very moderate temperatures and pressures. The catalyst catalyses NH3 synthesis at atmospheric pressure and achieves NH3 productivity (µmolNH3 gcat−1 h−1) comparable to the classical noble metal catalyst Ru/MgO at temperatures of 250–400 °C and 1 MPa. Both experimental and computational calculation results demonstrate that nanoconfinement of potassium hydride between the graphene layers is crucial for the activation and conversion of dinitrogen. Hydride in the catalyst participates in the hydrogenation step to form NH3. This work shows the promise of light metal hydride materials in the catalysis of ammonia synthesis. Ammonia is industrially synthesized through an established process based on iron or ruthenium transition metal catalysts, although the quest for alternative and more sustainable processes is still ongoing. Here, the authors show that potassium hydride confined between graphene layers can reduce dinitrogen and catalyse ammonia synthesis under mild conditions.

Effect of ZrC Nanopowders on Enhancing the Hydro/Dehydrogenation Kinetics of MgH2 Powders.

Hydrogen has been receiving great attention as an energy carrier for potential green energy applications. Hydrogen storage is one of the most crucial factors controlling the hydrogen economy and its future applications. Amongst the several options of hydrogen storage, light metal hydrides, particularly nanocrystalline magnesium hydride (MgH2), possess attractive properties, making them desired hydrogen storage materials. The present study aimed to improve the hydrogen storage properties of MgH2 upon doping with different concentrations of zirconium carbide (ZrC) nanopowders. Both MgH2 and ZrC were prepared using reactive ball milling and high-energy ball milling techniques, respectively. The as-prepared MgH2 powder was doped with ZrC (2, 5, and 7 wt%) and then high-energy-ball-milled for 25 h. During the ball milling process, ZrC powders acted as micro-milling media to reduce the MgH2 particle size to a minimal value that could not be obtained without ZrC. The as-milled nanocomposite MgH2/ZrC powders consisted of fine particles (~0.25 μm) with a nanosized grain structure of less than 7 nm. Besides, the ZrC agent led to the lowering of the decomposition temperature of MgH2 to 287 °C and the reduction in its apparent activation energy of desorption to 69 kJ/mol. Moreover, the hydrogenation/dehydrogenation kinetics of the nanocomposite MgH2/ZrC system revealed a significant improvement, as indicated by the low temperature and short time required to achieve successful uptake and release processes. This system possessed a high capability to tackle a long continuous cycle lifetime (1400 h) at low temperatures (225 °C) without showing serious degradation in its storage capacity.

Excellent catalytic activity of two-dimensional Ti2C and Ti2CT2 (T = O, F, OH) monolayers on hydrogen storage of MgH2: First-principles calculations

Two-dimensional Ti2C MXene has been recognized as an effective additive to improve the dehydrogenation of light metal hydride. Here, an MgH2 molecule adsorption on 2D Ti2C and Ti2CT2 monolayers were theoretically studied. Adsorption energy, the charge transfer and the electronic density of states were investigated via first-principles calculations based on density functional theory (DFT). We found that adopting bare Ti2C and functionalized Ti2CT2 to adsorb MgH2 molecule is not a good strategy. The charge transfer and DOS results revealed that bare Ti2C monolayer can enhance the dehydrogenation of MgH2 more effectively than functionalized Ti2CT2. Moreover, we have explored the catalytic mechanism of 2D Ti2C MXene on MgH2 using ab initio molecular dynamic (ab-init MD) simulations of MgH2/Ti2C heterostructure interface. It is found that the formation of TiH2 in Ti2C/MgH2 interface serves as a catalyst during the dehydrogenation of MgH2. Based on the analyses of electronic structure and the results of ab-init MD dynamic simulations, we found that the catalytic effects of 2D Ti2C MXene on MgH2 are presented in two aspects: as the electron e− transfer carrier and in-situ formed catalyst TiH2, they work together to enhance the dehydrogenation performance of MgH2.

Ballistic and thermomechanical characterisation of paraffin-based hybrid rocket fuels loaded with light metal hydrides

Rocket fuels are subjected to intense in-flight inertial, pressure and thermal loads that has drastic effect on its performance. In order to achieve optimal results, we require functionally-graded solid propellant (FGSPs), specifically designed for each flight condition. A novel series of FGSPs were developed using Paraffin Wax (as fuel) and Hydroxyl-terminated polybutadiene (as binder); treated with Dioctyl adipate (C22H42O4), Toluene diisocyante (C9H6N2O2) and Glycerol (C3H8O3). These FGSPs were further doped with light metal hydride nano-powders including Lithium aluminium hydride (LiAlH4) and Magnesium hydride (MgH2). The FGSPs were investigated for thermo-physical and ballistic performance using several characterisation techniques. The Magnesium hydride-doped FGSPs exhibited lower viscosity that fostered entrainment-aided combustion. FGSPs doped with Lithium aluminium hydride featured solid-like behaviour that makes them more stable in solid phase and less susceptible to in-flight loads. Thermal characterisation revealed that Lithium aluminium hydride makes FGSPs comparatively more resistant towards pyrolysis thereby producing greater char-yield. Eventually, combustion characteristics were evaluated by performing static ballistic firings of the developed FGSPs. The doped FGSPs exhibited significant enhancement in regression compared to the base fuel and conventional HTPB fuel. The MgH2-doped FGSP exhibited maximum enhancements of up to 224% and 353% as compared with the base fuel and HTPB, respectively.

Light metal hydride-based hydrogen storage system: Economic assessment in Argentina

Motivated by the high potential for hydrogen production from renewable resources in Argentina, the economic feasibility of employing light complex metal hydrides as hydrogen storage materials for mobile applications in Argentina is explored for the first time. Three main costs are analyzed: green H2, H2 storage system based on Mg(NH2)2–LiH and storage tank. Considering the production of H2 by electrolysis using wind energy, a cost of ~5 USD/kg H2 is obtained. The cost of hydride matrix is crucial and competitive values are viable only if the synthesis route starts from Mg0 and Li0, allowing reducing the total hydride matrix cost from ~2200 to ~4900 USD. The cost of a modular configuration tank with 4 kg of H2 capacity is estimated to be ~5300–6700 USD. A cost ratio higher than of 2:1 is obtained between storage systems based on amides and high pressure systems.

Ab Initio Screening of Doped Mg(AlH4)2 Systems for Conversion-Type Lithium Storage.

In this work, we have explored the potential applications of pure and various doped Mg(AlH4)2 as Li-ion battery conversion electrode materials using density functional theory (DFT) calculations. Through the comparisons of the electrochemical specific capacity, the volume change, the average voltage, and the electronic bandgap, the Li-doped material is found to have a smaller bandgap and lower average voltage than the pure system. The theoretical specific capacity of the Li-doped material is 2547.64 mAhg−1 with a volume change of 3.76% involving the electrode conversion reaction. The underlying reason for property improvement has been analyzed by calculating the electronic structures. The strong hybridization between Lis-state with H s-state influences the performance of the doped material. This theoretical research is proposed to help the design and modification of better light-metal hydride materials for Li-ion battery conversion electrode applications.

Morphology-Dependent Stability of Complex Metal Hydrides and Their Intermediates Using First-Principles Calculations.

Complex light metal hydrides are promising candidates for efficient, compact solid-state hydrogen storage. (De)hydrogenation of these materials often proceeds via multiple reaction intermediates, the energetics of which determine reversibility and kinetics. At the solid-state reaction front, molecular-level chemistry eventually drives the formation of bulk product phases. Therefore, a better understanding of realistic (de)hydrogenation behavior requires considering possible reaction products along all stages of morphological evolution, from molecular to bulk crystalline. Here, we use first-principles calculations to explore the interplay between intermediate morphology and reaction pathways. Employing representative complex metal hydride systems, we investigate the relative energetics of three distinct morphological stages that can be expressed by intermediates during solid-state reactions: i) dispersed molecules; ii) clustered molecular chains; and iii) condensed-phase crystals. Our results verify that the effective reaction energy landscape strongly depends on the morphological features and associated chemical environment, offering a possible explanation for observed discrepancies between X-ray diffraction and nuclear magnetic resonance measurements. Our theoretical understanding also provides physical and chemical insight into phase nucleation kinetics upon (de)hydrogenation of complex metal hydrides.

First-principles study of lattice dynamical and thermodynamic properties of Li<sub>2</sub>NH

<sec>One of the key issues for scale applications of hydrogen energy is the availability of safe, efficient and ecnomicical hydrogen storage technologies. In the past few years, light metal hydrides have attracted considerable attention due to their high hydrogen capacity. With a hydrogen capacity up to ~6.5 wt%, Li<sub>2</sub>NH is regarded as one of the most promising hydrogen storage materials. Although the hydrogen physical and thermodynamic properties of Li<sub>2</sub>NH have been studied, the electronic structure, phonon vibration mode and thermodynamic properties of Li<sub>2</sub>NH have not yet been resolved. In this paper, by using the first principles based on the density functional theory (DFT), we investigate the electronic structure, lattice dynamical and thermodynamic properties of Li<sub>2</sub>NH in detail.</sec><sec>Firstly, the structure of Li<sub>2</sub>NH is optimized and the lattice parameters and total energy of the crystals are calculated. As shown by the calculation results, the lattice parameters are in good agreement with previous theoretical and experimental results. Our lowest-energy structure of Li<sub>2</sub>NH has orthorhombic <i>Pnma</i> symmetry at <i>T</i>=0 K for all of the proposed structures. Secondly, the electronic band-structure studies reveal that Li<sub>2</sub>NH has a small band gap of about 2.0 eV. The analysis of total and partial density of states of Li<sub>2</sub>NH show that the bonding between the N and H has a covalent character. Thirdly, the lattice dynamical properties of Li<sub>2</sub>NH are investgated at the corresponding equilibrium states. These results show that only the phonon dispersion curves of Li<sub>2</sub>NH (<i>Pnma</i>) without negative frequencies are calculated along the high-symmetry points. The optical modes of phonon frequencies at <i>Γ</i> point are assigned as Raman and Infrared-active modes. Based on the calculated phonon density of states, the thermodynamic properties are computed, such as the Helmholtz free energy, internal energy, entropy and the constant-volume specific heat versus temperature. The calculation results may explore the applications in areas of hydrogen storage for Li-N-H, which is of great importance forusing hydrogen in the future.</sec>

Air-stable metal hydride-polymer composites of Mg(NH2)2–LiH and TPX™

Light metal hydrides are prone to react with oxygen and/or water to produce oxides and/or hydroxides leading to reduction of hydrogen capacities, and deterioration of the hydrogen storage properties. It is therefore critical to address these issues when the materials are to be exposed to air or moisture. In this work, the combination of light metal hydrides, Mg(NH2)2–nLiH with polymethylpentene (TPX™), an air/moisture protective barrier is presented. It was found that the fabricated composites exhibit significant improvement of the metal hydrides stability in air. No oxidation reactions in air can be proven even after air exposure for 90 min. Extending the air-exposure time to 12 h, the reversible hydrogen capacities of these composites are much higher and more stable than they are in the case of the pure metal hydrides. In comparison to the pure metal hydrides, the composites retain the same hydrogen loading capacities and kinetic properties, with respect to the metal hydrides contents. Further, in situ synchrotron radiation powder X-ray radiation diffraction (SR-PXRD) experiments reveal that the thermal decomposition reaction pathways of the 90 min air-exposed composites are the same under air or H2 atmosphere. Moreover, morphology analysis confirms that the metal hydrides remain stable in the polymeric matrix and the three-dimensional integrity is retained, even after performing tens of de/re-hydrogenation cycles. The present study shows a promising way to fabricate air-stable metal hydride-polymer composite hydrogen storage materials that can be handled in ambient conditions.

Synthesis of NaAlH4/Al composites and their applications in hydrogen storage

In solid-state hydrogen storage in light metal hydrides, nanoconfinement and the use of catalysts represent promising solutions to overcoming limitations such as poor reversibility and slow kinetics. In this work, the morphology and hydrogen desorption kinetics of NaAlH4 melt-infiltrated into a previously developed Ti-based doped porous Al scaffold is analysed. Small-angle X-ray scattering and scanning electron microscopy analysis of low NaAlH4 loading in the porous Al scaffold has revealed that mesopores and small macropores are filled first, leaving the larger macropores/voids empty. Temperature-programmed desorption experiments have shown that NaAlH4-infiltrated porous Al scaffolds show a higher relative H2 release, with respect to NaAlH4 + TiCl3, in the temperature range 148–220 °C, with the temperature of H2 desorption trending to bulk NaAlH4 with increasing scaffold loading. The Ti-based catalytic effect is reproduced when the dopant is present in the scaffold. Further work is required to increase the mesoporous volume in order to enhance the nanoconfinement effect.

(Invited) Light Metal Hydride Nanocomposites As Room Temperature Solid Electrolytes

A central goal in current battery research is to increase the safety and energy density of Li-ion batteries. Electrolytes nowadays typically consist of lithium salts dissolved in organic solvents. Solid electrolytes could facilitate safer batteries with higher capacities, as they are compatible with Li metal anodes, prevent Li dendrite formation and sulphur shuttling, and eliminate risks associated with flammable organic solvents. Less than 10 years ago, LiBH4 was proposed as a solid state electrolyte. It showed a high ionic conductivity, but only at elevated temperatures. Since then strategies have been developed to extend the high ionic conductivity of LiBH4 down to room temperature, and other light metal hydrides have been explored as solid electrolytes [1]. Using LiBH4 as an example we will discuss how the properties of solid electrolytes can be modified by forming nanocomposites with metal oxides, leading to an enhancement of the room temperature ionic conductivity of more than three orders of magnitude[2]. DSC measurements combined with solid state NMR allow to identify how the nanoconfinement and presence of interfaces modify the phase stability and the Li+ mobility [3]. Systematic studies show how the ionic conductivity can be optimized by tuning the nanostructure and interfaces in these nanocomposites. Finally, promising results have been obtained in using these materials as solid-state electrolytes in next generation all-solid state lithium-sulphur batteries. [4] [1] de Jongh et al. J. Appl. Phys. A (2016), 122:251. [2] Blanchard et al., Adv. Funct. Mater. 25 (2015), 182. [3] Verkuijlen et al., J. Phys. Chem. C 116 (2012) 22169. [4] Blanchard et al, J. Electrochem. Soc. (2016).

Mechanochemical synthesis of COx-free hydrogen and methane fuel mixtures at room temperature from light metal hydrides and carbon dioxide

In this work, we report a novel, simple and convenient method for CO2 methanation and synthesis of hydrogen and methane fuel mixtures at room temperature. COx-free hydrogen and methane fuel mixtures have been successfully generated for the first time in one pot at room temperature through the solid/gas mechanochemical reactions of selected light metal hydrides with CO2. It is noted that methane is the sole hydrocarbon product in the mechanochemical reactions of selected light metal hydrides with CO2, which suggests that the mechanochemical reduction of CO2 by light metal hydrides is highly selective. The yield and mole fraction of methane in the gas product depend mainly on the species of light metal hydride, rate and duration of ball milling, and CO2 pressure.

Multislice simulations for in-situ HRTEM studies of nanostructured magnesium hydride at ambient hydrogen pressure

The use of transmission electron microscopy (TEM) for the structural characterization of many nanostructured hydrides, which are relevant for solid state hydrogen storage, is hindered due to a rapid decomposition of the specimen upon irradiation with the electron beam. Environmental TEM allows to stabilize the hydrides by applying a hydrogen back pressure of up to 4.5 bar in a windowed environmental cell. The feasibility of high-resolution TEM (HRTEM) investigations of light weight metals and metal hydrides in such a “nanoreactor” is studied theoretically by means of multislice HRTEM contrast simulations using Mg and its hydride phase, MgH2, as model system. Such a setup provides the general opportunity to study dehydrogenation and hydrogenation reactions at the nanoscale under technological application conditions. We analyze the dependence of both the spatial resolution and the HRTEM image contrast on parameters such as the defocus, the metal/hydride thickness, and the hydrogen pressure in order to explore the possibilities and limitations of in-situ experiments with windowed environmental cells. Such simulations may be highly valuable to pre-evaluate future experimental studies.

Carbon supported lithium hydride nanoparticles: Impact of preparation conditions on particle size and hydrogen sorption

Nanosizing of light metal hydrides has yielded significant improvements to their hydrogen storage properties. We explored for the first time a procedure for preparing supported LiH nanoparticles. Impregnation of a carbon framework with a butyllithium solution, followed by reaction with gaseous hydrogen yielded LiH particles ranging in size from 2 nm to the micrometer scale. Reducing the reaction temperature from 300 °C to 100 °C, as well as the use of a t-butyllithium precursor instead of an n-butyllithium precursor, gave significant improvements on the degree of confinement of the LiH particles. The particle size of the LiH has a significant impact on the hydrogen release profile, 11 nm crystallites begin to release hydrogen as low as 100 °C under argon flow, a reduction of roughly 400 °C on the macrocrystalline system. The hydrogen release is reversible, with hydrogen uptake after desorption as high as 7.0 wt% w.r.t. LiH (0.8 wt% w.r.t the sample) under 0.1 bar of hydrogen at 200 °C and full uptake takes place within 5 min at 26 bar. This new preparation procedure for supported light metal hydrides is particularly relevant for the field of hydrogen storage.