The complex hydride NaAlH₄ is a typical hydrogen-storage material with high hydrogen-storage density and low production cost. However, its practical application is limited due to the high dehydrogenation temperature, slow adsorption and release rate of hydrogen and poor reversibility. As a promising hydrogen-storage medium for automobiles, the improvement of its hydrogen-storage properties has attracted much attention for a long time. In this paper, the hydrogen storage properties of NaAlH₄ and its improvement methods are discussed. The principles of two basic improvement methods, namely adding catalyst and structure nanoscaling, are expounded. The important role of theoretical simulation in the study of hydrogen-storage properties of NaAlH₄ is also commented. The purpose of this paper is to provide some guidance for further research on hydrogenstorage properties of NaAlH₄ and to realize its extensive commercial application in the field of hydrogen-energy economy.

NaAlH₄  /  chemical hydrogen storage  /  hydrogen storage property  /  catalyst  /  structure nanoscaling