New type of catalytic materials based on active metal-hydrogen-electronegative element complexes involving hydrogen transfer

• US 20050002856A1
• Filed: 12/24/2003
• Published: 01/06/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 06/25/2002
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Alicja Zaluska, Leszek Zaluski
• Original Assignee: Alicja Zaluska, Leszek Zaluski
• Inventors: Zaluska, Alicja, Zaluski, Leszek
• Granted Patent: US 7,811,957 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 423/648.100
• CPC Class Codes: B01J 2231/60 Reduction reactions, e.g. hydrogenation
• CPC Class Codes: B01J 31/121 Metal hydrides
• CPC Class Codes: B01J 31/28 of the platinum group metals, iron group metals or copper
• CPC Class Codes: B01J 31/32 of manganese, technetium or rhenium
• CPC Class Codes: B01J 31/36 of vanadium, niobium or tantalum
• CPC Class Codes: B01J 31/38 of titanium, zirconium or hafnium
• CPC Class Codes: B01J 31/403 containing iron group metals or copper
• CPC Class Codes: B01J 35/30 characterised by their physical properties
• CPC Class Codes: B01J 35/40 characterised by dimensions, e.g. grain size in a colloidal state B01J35/23; crystallite size B01J35/77
• CPC Class Codes: B01J 37/0036 Grinding
• CPC Class Codes: C01B 3/0026 of one single metal or a rare earth metal; Treatment thereof
• CPC Class Codes: C01B 3/0031 Intermetallic compounds; Metal alloys; Treatment thereof
• CPC Class Codes: C01B 3/0078 Composite solid storage mediums, i.e. coherent or loose mixtures of different solid constituents, chemically or structurally heterogeneous solid masses, coated solids or solids having a chemically modified surface region
• CPC Class Codes: Y02E 60/32 Hydrogen storage
• CPC Class Codes: Y02P 20/584 Recycling of catalysts

Abstract

The present invention relates to a hydrogen storage composition prepared in accordance with a method comprising: (a) combining (i) a metalliferous material selected from the group consisting of: (A) metal or a metalloid, or an alloy thereof, or a compound thereof, or an homogeneous or an inhomogeneous combination of at least two of a metal or a metalloid, or an alloy thereof, or a compound thereof, or (B) a hydride of any of: a metal or a metalloid, or alloy thereof, or a compound thereof, or an homogeneous or an inhomogeneous combination of a metal or a metalloid, or an alloy thereof, or a compound thereof, with ii) a liquid consisting essentially of any of: water, at least one alcohol, or a mixture of water and at least one alcohol, to form a first intermediate; and (b) milling the first intermediate for form an hydrogen transfer facilitator; (c) combining the hydrogen transfer facilitator with a second metalliferous material selected from the group consisting of: (A) a metal or a metalloid, or an alloy thereof, or a compound thereof, or an homogeneous or inhomogeneous combination of at least two of a metal or a metalloid, or an alloy thereof, or a compound thereof, or (B) a hydride of any of: a metal or a metalloid, or an alloy thereof, or a compound thereof, or an homogeneous or inhomogeneous combination of at least two of a metal or a metalloid, or an alloy thereof, or a compound thereof, such combining effecting sufficient contact between the hydrogen transfer facilitator and the second metalliferous material so that the hydrogen transfer facilitator is configured to effect absorption or desorption of hydrogen by the second metalliferous material.

Claims

15. A composition of matter prepared in accordance with a method comprising:

(a) combining (i) a metalliferous material selected from the group consisting of a hydride of any of (A) a metal or a metalloid, or an alloy thereof, or a compound thereof, or (B) an homogeneous or inhomogeneous combination of at least two of a metal or a metalloid, or an alloy thereof, or a compound thereof, with (ii) a source of an electronegative element, to form a first intermediate; and

milling the first intermediate to effect reaction between the metalliferous material and the electronegative element.

16. The composition as claimed in claim 15, wherein the metal or the metalloid component is selected from the group consisting of Li, Na, K, Be, Mg, Ca, Y, Sc, Ti, Zr, Hf, V, Nb, Ta, Pt, Pd, Ru, Rh, Ge, Ga, In, La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Dy, Al, Si, B, Cr, Mo, W, Mn, Fe, Co, Ir, Ni, Cu, Ag, Au, Zn, Sn, Pb, Sb, Bi.

17. The composition as claimed in claim 16, wherein the electronegative element is selected from the group consisting of O, F, N, Cl, S, P, C, Te and I.

18. The composition as claimed in claim 17, wherein the metalliferous material is an hydride of any of Ti, Zr, or Nb.

19. The composition as claimed in claim 17, wherein the metalliferous material is any of titanium hydride, zirconium hydride, or niobium hydride.

20. The composition as claimed in claim 17, wherein the metalliferous material is an homogenous or inhomogenous combination selected from the group consisting of (i) ZrH₂ and CuO, (ii) ZrH₂ and FeO, (iii) TiH₂ and CuO, (iv) TiH₂ and NiO, (v) TiH₂ and MgO, (vi) TiH₂ and MnO, (vii) ZrH₂ and CuO and Zn, and (viii) ZrH₂ and V.

21. The composition as claimed in claim 17, having a particulate form, and having a particle size of less than 100 micrometres.

22. The composition as claimed in claim 21, wherein at least 80% of the particles have a particle size of less than 50 microns.

23. The composition as claimed in claim 22, wherein the particles include a:

plurality of grains and the size of each of the plurality of grains is less than 100 nm.

24. The composition as claimed in any of claim 23, wherein the milling imparts an impact energy sufficient to effect the reaction.

25. The composition as claimed in claim 24, wherein the milling is carried out in a high energy ball mill.

26. The composition as claimed in claim 25, wherein the source of the electronegative element is any of a metal oxide or H₂O or an alcohol.

27. The composition as claimed in claim 25, wherein the milling is carried out in a substantially inert environment.

28. The composition as claimed in claim 27, wherein the milling is carried out in a gaseous environment having an insufficient concentration of a reducing agent to effect deleterious reduction of the first intermediate.

29. The composition as claimed in any of claims 15, 17, 26 or 28, having an X-ray diffraction pattern that exhibits a characteristic Bragg'"'"'s reflection of a coordination of (i) a metal or a metalloid, and (ii) hydrogen.

30. A composition of matter prepared in accordance with a method comprising the steps of:

(a) effecting a reaction between (i) a metalliferous material selected from the group consisting of;

(A) a metal or a metalloid, or an alloy thereof, or a compound thereof, or (B) an homogeneous or an inhomogeneous combination of at least two of a metal or a metalloid, or an alloy thereof, or a compound thereof, and (ii) hydrogen, by a first milling, to form an intermediate product; and

(b) effecting a reaction between the intermediate product and an electronegative element, by a second milling.

1. A composition of matter prepared in accordance with a method comprising the steps of:

(a) combining (i) a metalliferous material selected from the group consisting of;

(A) a metal or a metalloid, or an alloy thereof, or a compound thereof, or (B) an homogeneous or inhomogeneous combination of at least two of a metal or a metalloid, an alloy thereof, or a compound thereof, with a (ii) source of hydrogen, to form a first intermediate;

(b) milling the first intermediate to effect reaction between the metalliferous material and the hydrogen to form a second intermediate;

(c) combining the second intermediate with a source of an electronegative element, to form a third intermediate; and

(b) milling the third intermediate to effect reaction between the second intermediate and the electronegative element.

2. The composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein the metal or the metalloid is selected from the group consisting of Li, Na, K, Be, Mg, Ca, Y, Sc, Ti, Zr, Hf, V, Nb, Ta, Pt, Pd, Ru, Rh, Ge, Ga, In, La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Dy, Al, Si, B, Cr, Mo, W, Mn, Fe, Co, Ir, Ni, Cu, Ag, Au, Zn, Sn, Pb, Sb, and Bi.

3. The composition as claimed in claim 2, wherein the electronegative element is selected from the group consisting of O, F, N, Cl, S, P, C, Te, and I.

4. The composition as claimed in claim 3, wherein the metal is Ti, Zr, or Cu.

5. The composition as claimed in claim 3, wherein the metalliferous material is any of Ti or Zr, or an alloy thereof, or a compound thereof, or an oxide of Cu.

6. The composition as claimed in claim 3, having a particulate form consisting of a plurality of particles, and having a particle size of less than 100 microns.

7. The composition as claimed in claim 6, wherein at least 80% of the particles have a particle size of less than 50 microns.

8. The composition as claimed in claim 7, wherein the particles include a plurality of grains and the size of each of the plurality of grains is less than 100 nm.

9. The composition as claimed in claim 8, wherein the milling in each of steps (a) and (c) imparts an impact energy sufficient to effect the reactions of each of steps (a) and (c).

10. The composition as claimed in claim 9, wherein the milling of each of steps (a) and (c) is carried out in a high energy ball mill.

11. The composition as claimed in claim 2, wherein each of steps (a) and (c) is conducted in a substantially inert gaseous environment.

12. The composition as claimed in claim 11, wherein step (a) is carried out in a gaseous environment having an insufficient concentration of an oxidizing agent to effect deleterious oxidation of the metal or the metalloid component, or the alloy thereof, or the compound thereof, or the homogeneous or inhomogeneous combination of at least two of the metal or the metalloid, or the alloy thereof, or the compound thereof.

13. The composition as claimed in claim 12, wherein step (c) is carded out in a gaseous environment having an insufficient concentration of a reducing agent to effect deleterious reduction of the second intermediate.

14. The composition as claimed in any of claims 1, 3, or 13, having an X-ray diffraction pattern that exhibits a characteristic Bragg'"'"'s reflection of a co-ordination of (i) a metal or a metalloid, and (ii) hydrogen.

31. The composition as claimed in claim 30, wherein the metal or the metalloid is selected from the group consisting of Li, Na, K, Be, Mg, Ca, Y, Sc, Ti, Zr, Hf, V, Nb, Ta, Pt, Pd, Ru, Rh, Ge, Ga, In, La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Dy, Al, Si, B, Cr, Mo, W, Mn, Fe, Co, Ir, Ni, Cu, Ag, Au, Zn, Sn, Pb, Sb, Bi.

32. The composition as claimed in claim 31, wherein the electronegative element is selected from the group consisting of O, F, N, Cl, S, P, C, Te, and I.

33. The composition as claimed in claim 32, where in the metal is Ti, Zr, or Cu.

34. The composition as claimed in claim 32, wherein the metalliferous material is any of Ti or Zr, or an alloy thereof, or a compound thereof, or an oxide of Cu.

35. The composition as claimed in claim 32, having a particulate form and having a particulate size of less than 100 microns.

36. The composition as claimed in claim 35, wherein at least 80% of the particles have a particle size of less than 50 microns.

37. The composition as claimed in claim 36, wherein the particles include a plurality of grains and the size of each of the plurality of grains is less than 100 nm.

38. The composition as claimed in any of claim 37, wherein each of the first milling of step (a) and the second milling of step(b) imparts an impact energy sufficient to effect the respective reactions of steps (a) and (b).

39. The composition as claimed in claim 38, wherein each of the first milling and the second milling is carried out in a high energy ball mill.

40. The composition as claimed in claim 39, wherein each of steps (a) and (b) is conducted in a substantially inert gaseous environment.

41. The composition as claimed in claim 40, wherein step (a) is carried out in a gaseous environment having an insufficient concentration of an oxidizing agent to effect deleterious oxidation of the metal or metalloid, or the alloy thereof, or the compound thereof, or the homogeneous or inhomogeneous combination of at least two of the metal or the metalloid, or the alloy thereof, or the compound thereof.

42. The composition as claimed in claim 41, wherein step (b) is carried out in a gaseous environment having an insufficient concentration of a reducing agent to effect deleterious reduction of the intermediate product.

43. The composition as claimed in any of claims 30, 32, or 42, having an X-ray diffraction pattern that exhibits a characteristic Bragg'"'"'s reflection of a co-ordination of (i) a metal or a metalloid, and (ii) hydrogen.

44. A composition of matter prepared in accordance with a method comprising:

effecting reaction between (i) a metalliferous material selected from the group consisting of an hydride of any of;

(A) a metal or a metalloid, or an alloy thereof, or a compound thereof, or (B) an homogeneous or an inhomogeneous combination of at least two of a metal or a metalloid, or an alloy thereof, or a compound thereof, and (ii) an electronegative element, by milling.

45. The composition as claimed in claim 44, wherein the metal or the metalloid is selected from the group consisting of Li, Na, K, Be, Mg, Ca, Y, Sc, Ti, Zr, Hf, V, Nb, Ta, Pt, Pd, Ru, Rh, Ge, Ga, In, La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Dy, Al, Si, B, Cr, Mo, W, Mn, Fe, Co, Ir, Ni, Cu, Ag, Au, Zn, Sn, Pb, Sb, Bi.

46. The composition as claimed in claim 45, wherein the electronegative element is selected from the group consisting of O, F, N, Cl, S, P, C, Te and I.

47. The composition as claimed in claim 46, wherein the metalliferous material is an hydride of any of Ti, Zr, or Nb.

48. The composition as claimed in claim 46, wherein the metalliferous material is any of titanium hydride, zirconium hydride, or niobium hydride.

49. The composition as claimed in claim 46, wherein the metalliferous material is an homogenous or an inhomogenous combination selected from the group consisting of (i) ZrH₂ and CuO, (ii) ZrH₂ and FeO, (iii) TiH₂ and CuO, (iv) TiH₂ and NiO, (v) TiH₂ and MgO, (vi) TiH₂ and MnO, (vii) ZrH₂ and CuO and Zn, and (viii) ZrH₂ and V.

50. The composition as claimed in claim 46, having a particulate form, and having a particle size of less than 100 microns.

51. The composition as claimed in claim 50, wherein at least 80% of the particles have a particle size of less than 50 microns.

52. The composition as claimed in claim 51, wherein the particles include a plurality of grains and the size of each of the plurality of grains is less than 100 nm.

53. The composition as claimed in any of claim 52, wherein the milling imparts an impact energy sufficient to effect the reaction.

54. The composition as claimed in claim 52, wherein the milling is carried out in an high energy ball mill.

55. The composition as claimed in claim 46, wherein the source of the electronegative element is a metal oxide or H₂O or an alcohol.

56. The composition as claimed in claim 54, wherein the milling is carried out in a substantially inert environment.

57. The composition as claimed in claim 56, wherein the milling is carried out in a gaseous environment having an insufficient concentration of a reducing agent to effect deleterious reduction of the metalliferous material.

58. The composition as claimed in any of claims 44, 46, 55, or 57, having an X-ray diffraction pattern that exhibits a characteristic Bragg'"'"'s reflection of a co-ordination of (i) a metal or a metalloid and (ii) hydrogen.

60. The composition as claimed in claim 58, wherein the metal or the metalloid is selected from the group consisting of Li, Na, K, Be, Mg, Ca, Y, Sc, Ti, Zr, Hf, V, Nb, Ta, Pt, Pd, Ru, Rh, Ge, Ga, In, La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Dy, Al, Si, B, Cr, Mo, W, Mn, Fe, Co, Ir, Ni, Cu, Ag, Au, Zn, Sn, Pb, Sb, Bi.

73. The composition as claimed in any of claims 58, 60, or 72, having an X-ray diffraction pattern that exhibits a characteristic Bragg'"'"'s reflection of a co-ordination of (i) a metal or a metalloid and (ii) hydrogen.

44-1. The composition as claimed in claim 43, wherein the milling is carried out in a substantially inert environment.

59. A composition of matter prepared in accordance with a method comprising:

(b) combining (i) a metalliferous material selected from the group consisting of;

(A) a metal or a metalloid, or an alloy thereof, or a compound thereof, or an homogeneous or an inhomogeneous combination of at least two of a metal or a metalloid, or an alloy thereof, or a compound thereof, or (B) a hydride of any of;

a metal or a metalloid, or alloy thereof, or a compound thereof or an homogeneous or an inhomogeneous combination of a metal or a metalloid, or an alloy thereof, or a compound thereof with ii) a liquid consisting essentially of any of;

water, at least one alcohol, or a mixture of water and at least one alcohol, to form a first intermediate; and

(c) milling the first intermediate.

61. The composition as claimed in claim 59, wherein the metalliferous material is Ti, Zr, Cu, or Nb.

62. The composition as claimed in claim 59, wherein the metalliferous material is any of Ti, Zr, or Nb, or an alloy thereof, or a compound thereof, or an oxide of Cu.

63. The composition as claimed in claim 59, wherein the metalliferous material is an hydride of any of Ti, Zr, or Nb.

64. The composition as claimed in claim 59, wherein the metalliferous material is any of titanium hydride, zirconium hydride, or niobium hydride.

65. The composition as claimed in claim 59, wherein the metalliferous material is an homogenous or inhomogenous combination selected from the group consisting of (i) ZrH₂ and CuO, (ii) ZrH₂ and FeO, (iii) TiH₂ and CuO, (iv) TiH₂ and NiO, (v) TiH₂ and MgO, (vi) TiH₂ and MnO, (vii) ZrH₂ and CuO and Zn, and (viii) ZrH₂ and V.

66. The composition as claimed in claim 59, having a particulate form, and having a particle size of less than 100 microns.

67. The composition as claimed in claim 66, wherein at least 80% of the particles have a particle size of less than 50 microns.

68. The composition as claimed in claim 67, wherein the particles include a plurality of grains and the size of each of the plurality of grains is less than 100 nm.

69. The composition as claimed in claim 68, wherein the milling imparts an impact energy sufficient to effect the reaction.

70. The composition as claimed in claim 69, wherein the milling is carried out in a high energy ball mill.

71. The composition as claimed in claim 70, wherein the milling is carried out in a substantially inert environment.

72. The composition as claimed in claim 71, wherein the molar ratio of the liquid to the metal or the metalloid, or an alloy thereof, or a compound thereof, or an homogeneous or inhomogeneous combination of at least two of the metal or the metalloid, or the alloy thereof, or the compound thereof, is less than about 1:

1.

74. A hydrogen storage composition prepared in accordance with a method comprising the steps of:

(a) effecting a reaction between a first metalliferous material selected from the group consisting of;

(i) a metal or a metalloid, or an alloy thereof, or a compound thereof, or an homogeneous or an inhomogeneous combination of at least two of a metal or a metalloid, or an alloy thereof, or a compound thereof, and (ii) hydrogen, by a first milling, to form an intermediate product; and

(b) effecting a reaction between the intermediate product and an electronegative element, by a second milling, to form a hydrogen transfer facilitator; and

(c) combining the hydrogen transfer facilitator with a second metalliferous material selected from the group consisting of;

(A) a metal or a metalloid, or an alloy thereof, or a compound thereof, or an homogeneous or inhomogeneous combination of at least two of a metal or a metalloid, an alloy thereof, or a compound thereof, or (B) a hydride of any of;

a metal or a metalloid, or an alloy thereof, or a compound thereof, or an homogeneous or inhomogeneous combination of at least two of a metal or a metalloid, or an alloy thereof, or a compound thereof, such combining effecting sufficient contact between the hydrogen transfer facilitator and the second metalliferous material so that the hydrogen transfer facilitator is configured to effect absorption or desorption of hydrogen by the second metalliferous material.

75. The hydrogen storage composition as claimed in 74, wherein the hydrogen transfer facilitator is mechanically alloyed to the second metalliferous material.

76. The hydrogen storage composition as claimed in 75, wherein the mechanical alloying is effected by a third milling.

77. The hydrogen storage composition as claimed in claim 76, wherein the first metalliferous material is Ti, Zr, Cu, or Nb.

78. The hydrogen storage composition as claimed in claim 76, wherein the first metalliferous material is Ti or Zr, or an alloy thereof, or compound thereof, or an oxide of Cu.

79. The hydrogen storage composition as claimed in claim 76, wherein the first metalliferous material is Ti, or an alloy thereof, or a compound thereof, and the second metalliferous material is Ti, or an alloy thereof, or a compound thereof.

80. The hydrogen storage composition as claimed in claim 76, wherein the first metalliferous material is Zr, or an alloy thereof, or a compound thereof, and the second metalliferous material is Zr, or an alloy thereof, or a compound thereof.

81. A hydrogen storage composition prepared in accordance with a method comprising the steps of:

(a) effecting reaction between (i) a first metalliferous material selected from the group consisting of an hydride of any of;

(A) a metal or a metalloid, or an alloy thereof, or a compound thereof, or (B) an homogeneous or inhomogeneous combination of at least two of a metal or a metalloid, or an alloy thereof, or a compound thereof, and (ii) an electronegative element, by milling, to form a hydrogen transfer facilitator; and

(b) combining the hydrogen transfer facilitator with a second metalliferous material selected from the group consisting of;

(A) a metal or a metalloid, or an alloy thereof, or a compound thereof, or an homogeneous or inhomogeneous combination of at least two of a metal or a metalloid, or an alloy thereof, or a compound thereof, or (B) a hydride of any of;

a metal or a metalloid, or an alloy thereof, or a compound thereof, or an homogeneous or inhomogeneous combination of at least two of a metal or a metalloid, or an alloy thereof, or a compound thereof, such combining effecting sufficient contact between the hydrogen transfer facilitator and the second metalliferous material so that the hydrogen transfer facilitator is configured to effect absorption or desorption of hydrogen by the second metalliferous material.

82. The hydrogen storage composition as claimed in 81, wherein the hydrogen transfer facilitator is mechanically alloyed to the second metalliferous material.

83. The hydrogen storage composition as claimed in 82, wherein the mechanical alloying is effected by a third milling.

84. The hydrogen storage composition as claimed in claim 83 wherein the first metalliferous material is an hydride of any of Ti, Zr, or Nb.

85. The hydrogen storage composition as claimed in claim 83, wherein, the first metalliferous material is any of titanium hydride, zirconium hydrate, or niobium hydride.

86. The hydrogen storage composition as claimed in claim 83, wherein the first metalliferous material is an homogeneous or an inhomogeneous combination of any of i) ZrH₂ and CuO, (ii) ZrH₂ and FeO, (iii) TiH₂ and CuO, (iv) TiH₂ and NiO, (v) TiH₂ and MgO, (vi) TiH₂ and MnO, (vii) ZrH₂ and CuO and Zn, and (viii) ZrH₂ and V.

87. The hydrogen storage composition as claimed in claim 83, wherein the first metalliferous material is zirconium hydride, and wherein the second metalliferous material is zirconium, or an alloy thereof, or a compound thereof.

88. The hydrogen storage composition as claimed in claim 83, wherein the first metalliferous material is titanium hydride, and the second metalliferous material is NaAlH₄.

89. The hydrogen storage composition as claimed in claim 83, wherein the first metalliferous material is a combination of ZrH₂ and CuO, and wherein the second metalliferous material is Zr, or an alloy thereof, or a compound thereof.

90. The hydrogen storage composition as claimed in claim 83, wherein the first metalliferous material is either of (i) TiH₂ or (ii) a combination of TiH₂ and CuO, and the second metalliferous material is Mg, or an alloy thereof, or an compound thereof.

91. The hydrogen storage composition as claimed in claim 83, wherein the first metalliferous material is a combination of ZrH₂ and CuO and Zn, and wherein the second metalliferous material is LiAlH₄.

92. The hydrogen storage composition as claimed in claim 83, wherein the first metalliferous material is a combination selected from the group consisting of (i) TiH₂ and CuO, (ii) TiH₂ and NiO, (iii) TiH₂ and MgO, and wherein the second metalliferous material is NaAlH₄.

93. The hydrogen storage composition as claimed in claim 83, wherein the first metalliferous material is niobium hydride, and the second metalliferous material is niobium.

94. A hydrogen storage composition prepared in accordance with a method comprising;

(a) combining (i) a metalliferous material selected from the group consisting of;

(A) metal or a metalloid, or an alloy thereof, or a compound thereof, or an homogeneous or an inhomogeneous combination of at least two of a metal or a metalloid, or an alloy thereof, or a compound thereof, or (B) a hydride of any of;

a metal or a metalloid, or alloy thereof, or a compound thereof, or an homogeneous or an inhomogeneous combination of a metal or a metalloid, or an alloy thereof, or a compound thereof, with ii) a liquid consisting essentially of any of;

water, at least one alcohol, or a mixture of water and at least one alcohol, to form a first intermediate; and

(b) milling the first intermediate for form an hydrogen transfer facilitator;

(c) combining the hydrogen transfer facilitator with a second metalliferous material selected from the group consisting of;

(A) a metal or a metalloid, or an alloy thereof, or a compound thereof, or an homogeneous or inhomogeneous combination of at least two of a metal or a metalloid, or an alloy thereof, or a compound thereof, or (B) a hydride of any of;

a metal or a metalloid, or an alloy thereof, or a compound thereof, or an homogeneous or inhomogeneous combination of at least two of a metal or a metalloid, or an alloy thereof, or a compound thereof such combining effecting sufficient contact between the hydrogen transfer facilitator and the second metalliferous material so that the hydrogen transfer facilitator is configured to effect absorption or desorption of hydrogen by the second metalliferous material.

95. The hydrogen storage composition as claimed in 94, wherein the hydrogen transfer facilitator is mechanically alloyed to the second metalliferous material.

96. The hydrogen storage composition as claimed in 95, wherein the mechanical alloying is effected by a third milling.

97. The hydrogen storage composition as claimed in claim 96, wherein the metal of the first metalliferous material is Ti, Zr, Cu, or Nb.

98. The hydrogen storage composition as claimed in claim 97, wherein the first metalliferous material is Ti, Zr, or an alloy thereof, or compound thereof, or an oxide of Cu.

99. The hydrogen storage composition as claimed in claim 96, wherein the first metalliferous material is Ti, or an alloy thereof, or a compound thereof, and the second metalliferous material is Ti, or an alloy thereof, or a compound thereof.

100. The hydrogen storage composition as claimed in claim 96, wherein the first metalliferous material is Zr, or an alloy thereof, or a compound thereof, and the second metalliferous material is Zr, or an alloy thereof, or a compound thereof.

101. The hydrogen storage composition as claimed in claim 96 wherein the hydride of the metal of the first metalliferous material is an hydride of any of Ti, Zr, or Nb.

102. The hydrogen storage composition as claimed in claim 96, wherein, the first metalliferous material is any of titanium hydride, zirconium hydride, or niobium hydride.

103. The hydrogen storage composition as claimed in claim 96, wherein the first metalliferous material is an homogeneous or inhomogeneous combination of any of i) ZrH₂ and CuO, (ii) ZrH₂ and FeO, (iii) TiH₂ and CuO, (iv) TiH₂ and NiO, (v) TiH₂ and MgO, (vi) TiH₂ and MnO, (vii) ZrH₂ and CuO and Zn, and (viii) ZrM₂ and V.

104. The hydrogen storage composition as claimed in claim 96, wherein the first metalliferous material is zirconium hydride, and wherein the second metalliferous material is zirconium, or an alloy thereof, or a compound thereof.

105. The hydrogen storage composition as claimed in claim 96, wherein the first metalliferous material is titanium hydride, and the second metalliferous material is NaAlH₄.

106. The hydrogen storage composition as claimed in claim 96, wherein the first metalliferous material is a combination of ZrH₂ and CuO, and wherein the second metalliferous material is Zr, or an alloy thereof, or a compound thereof.

107. The hydrogen storage composition as claimed in claim 96, wherein the first metalliferous material is either of (i) T1H₂ or (ii) a combination of TiH₂ and CuO, and the second metalliferous material is Mg, or an alloy thereof, or an compound thereof.

108. The hydrogen storage composition as claimed in claim 96, wherein the first metalliferous material is a combination of ZrH₂ and CuO and Zn, and wherein the second metalliferous material is LiAlH₄.

109. The hydrogen storage composition as claimed in claim 96, wherein the first metalliferous material is a combination of any of (i) TiH₂ and CuO, (ii) TiH₂ and NiO, (iii) TiH₂ and MgO, and wherein the second metalliferous material is NaAlH₄.

110. The hydrogen storage composition as claimed in claim 96, wherein the first metalliferous material is niobium hydride, and wherein the second metalliferous material is niobium.

111. A process of hydrogenating or dehydrogenating a hydrogen storage composition comprising the steps of:

(a.1) effecting absorption of hydrogen by the hydrogen storage composition;

or

(b.1) effecting desorption of the absorbed hydrogen from the hydrogen storage composition;

wherein the hydrogen storage composition is prepared by combining a hydrogen transfer facilitator with a first metalliferous material selected from the group consisting of;

(i) a metal or a metalloid, or an alloy thereof, or a compound thereof or an homogeneous or inhomogeneous combination of at least two of a metal or a metalloid, or an alloy thereof, or a compound thereof, or (ii) an hydride of any of;

a metal or a metalloid, or an alloy thereof, or a compound thereof, or an homogeneous or inhomogeneous combination of at least two of a metal or a metalloid, or an alloy thereof, or a compound thereof, such combining effecting sufficient contact between the hydrogen transfer facilitator and the first metalliferous material so that the hydrogen transfer facilitator is configured to effect absorption or desorption of hydrogen by the first metalliferous material,

and wherein the hydrogen transfer facilitator is prepared in accordance with a method selected from a first method and a second method,

wherein the first method comprises the steps of;

(a.2) effecting a reaction between (i) a metalliferous material selected from the group consisting of (A) a metal or a metalloid, or an alloy thereof or a compound thereof, or (B) an homogeneous or an inhomogeneous combination of at least two of a metal or a metalloid, or an alloy thereof, or a compound thereof, and (ii) hydrogen, by a first milling, to form an intermediate product; and

(b.2) effecting a reaction between the intermediate product and an electronegative element, by a second milling;

and wherein the second method comprises the steps of;

effecting reaction between (a) a metalliferous material selected from the group consisting of an hydride of any of;

(A) a metal or a metalloid, or an alloy thereof, or a compound thereof, or (B) an homogeneous on inhomogeneous combination of at least two of a metal or a metalloid, or an alloy thereof, or a compound thereof, and (b) an electronegative element, by milling.

112. A process of hydrogenating or dehydrogenating a hydrogen storage composition comprising the steps of:

(a.1) effecting absorption of hydrogen by the hydrogen storage composition;

or

(b.1) effecting desorption of the absorbed hydrogen from the hydrogen storage composition;

and wherein the hydrogen storage composition is prepared by

(a.2) combining (i) a metalliferous material selected from the group consisting of;

(A) a metal or a metalloid, or an alloy thereof, or a compound thereof, or an homogeneous or an inhomogeneous combination of at least two of a metal or a metalloid, or an alloy thereof or a compound thereof, or (B) an hydride of any of;

a metal or a metalloid, or alloy thereof, or a compound thereof, or an homogeneous or an inhomogeneous combination of a metal or a metalloid, or an alloy thereof, or a compound thereof, with (ii) a liquid consisting essentially of any of water, at least one alcohol, or a mixture of water and at least one alcohol, to form a first intermediate; and

(b.2) milling the first intermediate to form an hydrogen transfer facilitator.

(c.2) combining the hydrogen transfer facilitator with a second metalliferous material selected from the group consisting of;

(i) a metal or a metalloid, or an alloy thereof, or a compound thereof, or an homogeneous or inhomogeneous combination of at least two of a metal or a metalloid, or an alloy thereof, or a compound thereof, or (ii) an hydride of any of;

a metal or a metalloid, or an alloy thereof, or a compound thereof, or an homogeneous or an inhomogeneous combination of at least two of a metal or a metalloid, or an alloy thereof, or a compound thereof, such combining effecting sufficient contact between the hydrogen transfer facilitator and the second metalliferous material so that the hydrogen transfer facilitator is configured to effect absorption or desorption of hydrogen by the second metalliferous material.

113. A hydrogen storage composition comprising:

a metalliferous material selected from the group consisting of;

(A) a metal or a metalloid, or an alloy thereof, or a compound thereof, or an homogeneous or inhomogeneous combination of at least two of a metal or a metalloid, or an alloy thereof, or a compound thereof, or (B) a hydride of any of;

a metal or a metalloid, or an alloy thereof, or a compound thereof, or an homogeneous or inhomogeneous combination of at least two of a metal or a metalloid, or an alloy thereof, or a compound thereof; and

an hydrogen transfer facilitator having an atomic co-ordination characterized by one of the following structural formula;

(M+M1)-H—

E  

 

(a)
or
(M)-H—

E  

 

(b)

wherein the hydrogen transfer facilitator is disposed in sufficient contact with the metalliferous material so that the hydrogen transfer facilitator is configured to effect absorption or desorption of hydrogen by the metalliferous material.

114. The hydrogen storage composition as claimed in 113, wherein the hydrogen transfer facilitator is mechanically alloyed to the metalliferous material.

115. The hydrogen storage composition as claimed in claim 114, wherein the mechanical alloying is effected by a milling.

116. A hydrogen storage composition comprising:

a metalliferous material selected from the group consisting of;

(i) a metal or a metalloid, or an alloy thereof, or a compound thereof, or an homogeneous or inhomogeneous combination of at least two of a metal or a metalloid, or an alloy thereof, or a compound thereof, or (ii) a hydride of any of;

a metal or a metalloid, or an alloy thereof, or a compound thereof, or an homogeneous or inhomogeneous combination of at least two of a metal or a metalloid, or an alloy thereof, or a compound thereof; and

a hydrogen transfer facilitator having an atomic coordination characterized with the following structural formula;

M—

H-E

wherein the hydrogen transfer facilitator is disposed in sufficient contact with the metalliferous material so that the hydrogen transfer facilitator is configured to effect absorption or desorption of hydrogen by the metalliferous material.

117. The hydrogen storage composition as claimed in claim 116, wherein the hydrogen transfer facilitator is mechanically alloyed to the metalliferous material.

118. The hydrogen storage composition as claimed in claim 117, wherein the mechanical alloying is effected by milling.

119. A hydrogen storage composition comprising:

a metalliferous material selected from the group consisting of;

(i) a metal or a metalloid, or an alloy thereof, or a compound thereof or an homogeneous or inhomogeneous combination of at least two of a metal or a metalloid, or an alloy thereof, or a compound thereof, or (ii) a hydride of any of;

a metal or a metalloid, or an alloy thereof, or a compound thereof or an homogeneous or inhomogeneous combination of at least two of a metal or a metalloid, or an alloy thereof, or a compound thereof; and

a hydrogen transfer facilitator having an atomic coordination characterized with the following structural formula;

M-H—

H

wherein the hydrogen transfer facilitator is disposed in sufficient contact with the metalliferous material so that the hydrogen transfer facilitator is configured to effect absorption or desorption of hydrogen by the metalliferous material.

120. The hydrogen storage composition as claimed in 119, wherein the hydrogen transfer facilitator is mechanically alloyed to the metalliferous material.

121. The hydrogen storage composition as claimed in claim 120, wherein the mechanical alloying is effected by a milling.

122. A hydrogen storage composition prepared in accordance with a method comprising the steps of:

(A) combining;

(i)a first metalliferous material selected from the group consisting of;

an alkali metal hydride, or an alloy thereof, (ii) a second metalliferous material selected from the group consisting of aluminum, or alloy thereof or a compound thereof and (iii) a hydrogen transfer facilitator, to form a first intermediate;

wherein the hydrogen transfer facilitator is prepared in accordance with a method comprising the steps of;

(a) effecting a reaction between (i) a metalliferous material selected from the group consisting of a metal or a metalloid, or an alloy thereof, or a compound thereof, or (b) an homogeneous or an inhomogeneous combination of at least two of a metal or a metalloid, or an alloy thereof, or a compound thereof, and (ii) hydrogen, by a first milling, to form an intermediate product; and

(b) effecting a reaction between the intermediate product and an electronegative element, by a second milling, to form a hydrogen transfer facilitator;

(B) milling the first intermediate to form a second intermediate; and

contacting the second intermediate with gaseous hydrogen; and

(C) contacting the second intermediate with gaseous hydrogen.

123. The hydrogen storage composition as claimed in claim 122, wherein the first metalliferous material is sodium hydride and the second metalliferous material is aluminum.

124. A hydrogen storage composition prepared in accordance with a method comprising the steps of:

(A) combining (i) a first metalliferous material selected from the group consisting of;

(i) an alkali metal hydride, or an alloy thereof, (ii) a second metalliferous material selected from the group consisting of aluminum, or alloy thereof, or a compound thereof, and (iii) a hydrogen transfer facilitator, to form a first intermediate;

wherein the hydrogen transfer facilitator is prepared in accordance with a method comprising the steps of effecting reaction between (i) a metalliferous material selected from the group consisting of an hydride of any of;

(A) a metal or a metalloid, or an alloy thereof, or a compound thereof, or (B) an homogeneous or an inhomogeneous combination of at least two of a metal or a metalloid, or an alloy thereof, or a compound thereof, and (iii) an electronegative element, by milling;

(B) milling the first intermediate to form a second intermediate; and

(C) contacting the second intermediate with gaseous hydrogen.

125. The hydrogen storage composition as claimed in claim 124, wherein the first metalliferous material is sodium hydride and the second metalliferous material is aluminum.

126. A hydrogen storage composition prepared in accordance with a method comprising the steps of:

(A) combining (i) a first metalliferous material selected from the group consisting of;

an alkali metal hydride, or an alloy thereof, (ii) a second metalliferous material selected from the group consisting of aluminum, or alloy thereof, or a compound thereof, and (iii) a hydrogen transfer facilitator, to form a first intermediate;

wherein the hydrogen transfer facilitator is prepared in accordance with a method comprising;

(a) combining (i) a metalliferous material selected from the group consisting of (A) metal or a metalloid, or an alloy thereof, or a compound thereof or an homogeneous or an inhomogeneous combination of at least two of a metal or a metalloid, or an alloy thereof, or a compound thereof, or (B) a hydride of any of;

a metal or a metalloid, or alloy thereof, or a compound thereof, or an homogeneous or an inhomogeneous combination of a metal or a metalloid, or an alloy thereof, or a compound thereof with (ii) a liquid consisting essentially of any of water, at least one alcohol, or a mixture of water and at least one alcohol, to form a first intermediate; and

(a2) milling the first intermediate to form an hydrogen transfer facilitator;

(B) milling the first intermediate to form a second intermediate; and

(c) contacting the second intermediate with gaseous hydrogen.

127. The hydrogen storage composition as claimed in claim 126, wherein the first metalliferous material is sodium hydride and the second metalliferous material is aluminum.

128. A method of generating gaseous hydrogen from a hydrogen storage composition comprising:

(a) combining a hydrogen-containing metalliferous material with a hydrogen transfer facilitator to form the hydrogen storage composition,

wherein the hydrogen containing metalliferous material is selected from the group consisting of an hydride of (i) a metal or an hydride of a metalloid, or an alloy thereof, or a compound thereof, or (ii) an homogeneous or an inhomogeneous combination hydride of a metal or a metalloid, or an alloy thereof, or a compound thereof;

and wherein the hydrogen transfer facilitator is prepared in accordance with a method comprising the steps of;

(a) combining (i) a metalliferous material selected from the group consisting of;

(A) a metal or a metalloid, or an alloy thereof, or a compound thereof, or an homogeneous or an inhomogeneous combination of at least two of a metal or a metalloid, or an alloy thereof, or a compound thereof, or (B) a hydride of any of;

a metal or a metalloid, or alloy thereof or a compound thereof, or an homogeneous or an inhomogeneous combination of a metal or a metalloid, or an alloy thereof, or a compound thereof, with ii) a liquid consisting essentially of any of;

water, at least one alcohol, or a mixture of water and at least one alcohol, to form a first intermediate; and

(b) milling the first intermediate;

(b) contacting the hydrogen storage composition with a proton containing reactant effective to chemically react with the hydrogen storage composition to produce gaseous hydrogen.

129. The method as claimed in claim 128, wherein the metalliferous material is any of NaBh₄, LiAlH₄, or NaAlH₄.

130. The method as claimed in claim 128 or 129, wherein the proton containing reactant is any of H₂O, H₂O₂, NH₃, H₂S, or an alcohol, or any combination thereof.

131. A composition comprising:

molten aluminum combined with an hydrogen storage composition, the hydrogen storage composition comprising a metalliferous material selected from the group consisting of;

(A) a metal or a metalloid, or an alloy thereof, or a compound thereof, or an homogeneous or inhomogeneous combination of at least two of a metal or a metalloid, or an alloy thereof, or a compound thereof, or (B) a hydride of any of;

a metal or a metalloid, or an alloy thereof, or a compound thereof, or an homogeneous or inhomogeneous combination of at least two of a metal or a metalloid, or an alloy thereof, or a compound thereof; and

an hydrogen transfer facilitator having an atomic co-ordination characterized by one of the following structural formula;

(M+M1)-H—

E  

 

(a)
or
(M)-H—

E  

 

(b)

wherein the hydrogen transfer facilitator is disposed in sufficient contact with the metalliferous material so that the hydrogen transfer facilitator is configured to effect absorption or desorption of hydrogen by the metalliferous material.

132. A composition comprising:

molten aluminum combined with a hydrogen storage composition, the hydrogen storage composition comprising a metalliferous material selected from the group consisting of;

(i) a metal or a metalloid, or an alloy thereof, or a compound thereof, or an homogeneous or inhomogeneous combination of at least two of a metal or a metalloid, or an alloy thereof, or a compound thereof, or (ii) a hydride of any of;

a metal or a metalloid, or an alloy thereof, or a compound thereof, or an homogeneous or inhomogeneous combination of at least two of a metal or a metalloid, or an alloy thereof, or a compound thereof; and

a hydrogen transfer facilitator having an atomic coordination characterized with the following structural formula;

M—

H-E

wherein the hydrogen transfer facilitator is disposed in sufficient contact with the metalliferous material so that the hydrogen transfer facilitator is configured to effect absorption or desorption of hydrogen by the metalliferous material.

133. A composition comprising:

molten aluminum combined with an hydrogen storage composition, the hydrogen storage composition comprising a metalliferous material selected from the group consisting of;

(i) a metal or a metalloid, or an alloy thereof, or a compound thereof, or an homogeneous or inhomogeneous combination of at least two of a metal or a metalloid, or an alloy thereof, or a compound thereof, or (ii) an hydride of any of;

a metal or a metalloid, or an alloy thereof, or a compound thereof, or an homogeneous or inhomogeneous combination of at least two of a metal or a metalloid, or an alloy thereof, or a compound thereof; and

a hydrogen transfer facilitator having an atomic coordination characterized with the following structural formula;

M-H—

H

wherein the hydrogen transfer facilitator is disposed in sufficient contact with the metalliferous material so that the hydrogen transfer facilitator is configured to effect absorption or desorption of hydrogen by the metalliferous material.

134. A composition comprising:

molten aluminum combined with a hydrogen storage composition, the hydrogen storage composition comprising

(a) combining (i) a metalliferous material selected from the group consisting of;

(A) metal or a metalloid, or an alloy thereof, or a compound thereof, or an homogeneous or an inhomogeneous combination of at least two of a metal or a metalloid, or an alloy thereof, or a compound thereof, or (B) a hydride of any of;

a metal or a metalloid, or alloy thereof, or a compound thereof, or an homogeneous or an inhomogeneous combination of a metal or a metalloid, or an alloy thereof, or a compound thereof, with ii) a liquid consisting essentially of any of;

water, at least one alcohol, or a mixture of water and at least one alcohol, to form a first intermediate; and

(b) milling the first intermediate for form an hydrogen transfer facilitator;

(c) combining the hydrogen transfer facilitator with a second metalliferous material selected from the group consisting of;

(A) a metal or a metalloid, or an alloy thereof, or a compound thereof, or an homogeneous or inhomogeneous combination of at least two of a metal or a metalloid, or an alloy thereof, or a compound thereof, or (B) a hydride of any of;

a metal or a metalloid, or an alloy thereof, or a compound thereof, or an homogeneous or inhomogeneous combination of at least two of a metal or a metalloid, or an alloy thereof, or a compound thereof, such combining effecting sufficient contact between the hydrogen transfer facilitator and the second metalliferous material so that the hydrogen transfer facilitator is configured to effect absorption or desorption of hydrogen by the second metalliferous material.