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 BNH_x 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.