Amineborane-Based Chemical Hydrogen Storage:  Enhanced Ammonia Borane Dehydrogenation in Ionic Liquids

Ionic liquids are shown to provide advantageous media for amineborane-based chemical hydrogen storage systems. Both the extent and rate of hydrogen release from ammonia borane dehydrogenation are significantly increased at 85, 90, and 95 degrees C when the reactions are carried out in 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride compared to analogous solid-state reactions. NMR studies in conjunction with DFT/GIAO chemical shift calculations indicate that both polyaminoborane and the diammoniate of diborane, [(NH3)2BH2+]BH4-, are initial products in the reactions.