Beryllium hydride, hydrogen storage

Theoretically, both aluminum hydride, AIH3, and beryllium hydride, BeH2, are attractive fuels because of their high heat release and gas volume contribution. Both axe difficult to manufacture and both deteriorate chemically during storage, due to loss of hydrogen. Because of these difficulties, coupled with relatively modest Isp gains, these compounds remain experimental. 

The discussion above was limited to alanates, borohydrides, amides, and combinations of these materials. Other hydrides or alternative approaches have also been proposed for storage applications. Zaluska et al. ° studied lightweight lithium-beryllium hydride and showed a reversible hydrogen capacity of over 8 wt%. They also showed that the hydride may be usable down to 150°C. Although these results are rather promising, it is unlikely that any beryllium-containing compound would be considered for vehicular use because of the toxicity of this element, even though the hydride may be quite stable. 

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