Hydrogen Boride Sheets: A Promising Alternative for Hydrogen Storage and Transportation

The quest for clean energy alternatives to fossil fuels has led scientists to explore hydrogen. However, storing and transporting hydrogen safely and efficiently remains a challenge. A recent breakthrough study, published in the journal Small, presents a promising solution. The study focused on hydrogen boride (HB) sheets as practical hydrogen carriers.

The Potential of Hydrogen Boride Sheets

Scientists from the Tokyo Institute of Technology have been investigating the potential of hydrogen boride (HB) sheets as practical hydrogen carriers. HB sheets are two-dimensional structures with unique properties, making them a promising candidate for hydrogen storage and transportation. The research team has found that electrochemical release of hydrogen from HB sheets is a promising alternative to heating at high temperatures or using strong ultraviolet (UV) illumination.

The team conducted experiments to confirm that the electrochemically released hydrogen originated from the HB sheets and not through some other chemical reaction. This assurance is crucial, as it ensures the process's efficiency and reliability.

High Faradaic Efficiency

One of the most remarkable findings of the study is the high Faradaic efficiency of the electrochemical release process. Faradaic efficiency is a measure of how efficiently electrical energy is transferred in a system. In this study, nearly all of the electrons injected into the electrochemical system were used to convert H+ ions from the HB sheets into H2 molecules, achieving a high Faradaic efficiency of over 90%. This high efficiency contributes to the development of safe and lightweight hydrogen carriers with low energy consumption.

Isotope Tracing Experiments

The team also conducted isotope tracing experiments to further confirm that the electrochemically released H2 originated from the HB sheets. Isotope tracing is a powerful technique used to understand chemical reactions and their sources. This step strengthens the reliability of the findings, as it eliminates the possibility of other chemical reactions influencing the results.

Safe, Economical, and Lightweight Carriers

HB films, derived from HB sheets, may be applied as safe, economical, and lightweight carriers for H2 transportation and storage. They are projected to play a vital role in the future of clean energy, particularly in the hydrogen economy. Their lightweight nature, combined with low energy consumption and high efficiency, makes them an attractive option for hydrogen storage.

Future Research Directions

The team plans to investigate the rechargeability of HB sheets in future studies. Understanding how these sheets can be recharged and reused will be crucial in assessing their practicality and effectiveness as hydrogen carriers. This research is an important step in the right direction for developing sustainable and efficient hydrogen storage solutions.

The Fabrication of Borophene

As a side note, the fabrication of borophene, a two-dimensional material with unique properties, is also being explored. An article discusses the fabrication of three-layered borophene using a sustainable and scalable route. It was found that sodium cholate is the most efficient intercalant for yielding 3 and 4 layer borophene samples, and the combination of ball milling and ultrasound-assisted liquid phase exfoliation in water achieved a tuned borophene thickness of 3 layers. The air stability of 3 and 4 layered borophene samples demonstrated resistance to long-term oxidation, affirming their chemical resilience. This research further adds to the potential applications of borophene and related materials in the field of energy storage.