Ammonia -: borane:: the hydrogen source par excellence?

Ammonia-borane, H3NBH3, is an intriguing molecule for chemical hydrogen storage applications. With both protic N-H and hydridic B-H bonds, three H atoms per main group element, and a low molecular weight, H3NBH3 has the potential to meet the stringent gravimetric and volumetric hydrogen storage capacity targets needed for transportation applications. Furthermore, devising an energy-efficient chemical process to regenerate H3NBH3 from dehydrogenated BNHx material is an important step towards realization of a sustainable transportation fuel. In this perspective we discuss current progress in catalysis research to control the rate and extent of hydrogen release and preliminary efforts at regeneration of H3NBH3.