Bis-BN Cyclohexane: A Remarkably Kinetically Stable Chemical Hydrogen Storage Material

A critical component for the successful
development of fuel cell
applications is hydrogen storage. For back-up power applications,
where long storage periods under extreme temperatures are expected,
the thermal stability of the storage material is particularly important.
Here, we describe the development of an unusually kinetically stable
chemical hydrogen storage material with a H2 storage capacity
of 4.7 wt%. The compound, which is the first reported parental BN
isostere of cyclohexane featuring two BN units, is thermally stable
up to 150 °C both in solution and as a neat material. Yet, it
can be activated to rapidly desorb H2 at room temperature
in the presence of a catalyst without releasing other detectable volatile
contaminants. We also disclose the isolation and characterization
of two cage compounds with S4 symmetry
from the H2 desorption reactions.