The design of new materials/molecules for hydrogen storage is guided by the use of low atomic-mass elements such as boron and nitrogen, and compounds incorporating a combination of these elements are particularly attractive, because these atoms form stable adducts that often feature high hydrogen incorporation. Accordingly, the thermal and catalytic dehydrogenation of boron-nitrogen based molecules is currently an area of intense research toward the goal of efficient and complete H2 release. Efforts on the catalytic dehydrogenation reaction are substantial, and many new catalysts are under development to facilitate this transformation. In contrast, the rehydrogenation pathways of BN spent fuels are underdeveloped. This presentation will outline efforts in our lab that seek to ultimately target low energy reduction cycles. Mechanistic emphasis will be placed on the reduction of borazine as a model for spent BN fuels using low-valent transition metal fragments, as well as alternative reduction strategies.

Toward transition-metal mediated reduction strategies for the regeneration of B-N spent fuels

245th National Meeting (2013)

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