Mixed-anion and mixed-cation borohydride KZn(BH4)Cl2: Synthesis, structure and thermal decomposition

Abstract

KZn(BH4)Cl2, synthesized for the first time, contains a heteroleptic complex anion [Zn(BH4)Cl2]-, extending the structural diversity of metal borohydrides. In-situ synchrotron powder diffraction, NMR and Raman spectroscopy were used to characterize KZn(BH4)Cl2 and to evaluate the mechanism, for its thermal decomposition. The title compound decomposes at a significantly lower temperature than KBH4 and may be used for inspiration for the design of novel hydrogen storage materials. Combining different ligands in modified metal borohydrides is proposed as a way to adjust stability with respect to hydrogen, desorption. © 2010 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA.