Abstract
[ $Zn(BH_4)_2$ ] ($8.4\;wt\%$ theoretical hydrogen storage capacity) powders have been successfully synthesized by mechanochemical reaction from mixtures of $ZnCl_2$ and $NaBH_4$ powders in a 1:2 molar ratio in different times. $$ZnCl_2\;+\;2NaBH_4\rightarrow\;Zn(BH_4)_2\;+\;2NaCl\;(1)$$ $Zn(BH_4)_2$ powders were characterized by X-ray diffractometry(XRD), and Furier Transform Infrared spectrometry(FT-IR). The thermal stabilities of $Zn(BH_4)_2$ powders were studied by Differential scanning calorimetry(DSC), Thermogravimetry analysis(TGA), and Mass spectrometry(MS). $Zn(BH_4)_2$ can be tested for hydrogen evolution without further purification. The reaction to yield hydrogen is irreversible, the other products being compounds of Zn, and borane. $Zn(BH_4)_2$ thermally decomposes to release borane and hydrogen gas between about 85 and $150^{\circ}C$.
