Hydrogen Storage and Transportation System through Lithium Hydride Using Molten Salt Technology

Hydrogen storage and transportation through lithium hydride are presented. It is shown that the melting of LiH was the major factor of initiation of absorption of hydrogen into lithium metal. The absorption rate was enhanced greatly by increasing the surface of molten lithium in contact with hydrogen. Special attention is devoted to lithium regeneration from LiOH formed in the hydrogen generation. Direct electrolysis of LiOH is not possible as lithium metal is oxidized by hydroxide. Electrolysis was performed using alkali chloride baths such as LiCl-KCl or LiCl-KCl-CsCl, eutectic mixtures. The anodic compartment was fed with LiOH. To prevent mixing and keeping the cathodic compartment free from hydroxide ion, the two compartments were separated with a porous MgO diaphragm. The current efficiency of the lithium deposition was higher than 80%.