Solid state phase transformations in LiAlH4 during high-energy ball-milling

Mechanochemical processing of polycrystalline LiAlH4 revealed good stabilit y of this complex aluminohydride during high-energy ball-milling in a heliu m atmosphere for up to 35 h. The decomposition of lithium aluminohydride in to Li3AlH6, Al and H-2 is observed during prolonged mechanochemical treatme nt 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 contami nant during mechanical treatment. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.