December 1, 2000 Journal article Open Access

Solid State Phase Transformations in LiAlH4 During High-Energy Ball-Milling

Balema, V. P.; Pecharsky, V. K.; Dennis, K. W.

Mechanochemical processing of polycrystalline LiAlH4 revealed good stability of this complex aluminohydride during high-energy ball-milling in a helium atmosphere for up to 35 h. The decomposition of lithium aluminohydride into Li3AlH6, Al and H2 is observed during prolonged mechanochemical treatment for up to 110 h and is most likely associated with the catalytic effect of a vial material, iron, which is introduced into the hydride as a contaminant during mechanical treatment.