Synthesis of Na3AlH6 and Na2LiAlH6 by mechanical alloying

The direct synthesis of Na3AlH6 and Na2LiAlH6 by energetic mechanical alloying of stoichiometric mixtures of NaH, LM and NaAlH4 was investigated. Upon milling, the mixture 2NaH+NaAlH4 transforms into the high temperature phase beta-Na3AlH6. Similarly, the ball-milling of the mixture NaH+LiH+NaAlH4 produces Na2LiAlH6. The nature of phases was confirmed by X-ray diffraction and pressurized differential calorimetry. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science S.A. All rights reserved.