The present invention relates to the use of triborohydride salts as
hydrogen storage materials. The present invention also relates to a
system of using triborohydride salts to generate hydrogen gas for use in
a fuel cell or other hydrogen-consuming device. A novel method of
preparing triborohydride salts is also disclosed, wherein gaseous
diborane is reacted with a carbonate suspended in a non-aqueous solvent
in a suitable vessel with agitation. The process is typically carried out
utilizing sodium carbonate to form sodium triborohydride. Other
triborohydride salts can then be formed by cationic exchange. Hydrogen
generating fuels according to the present invention include aqueous or
hydroalcoholic solutions or slurries of a triborohydride salt, which may
additionally contain a borohydride salt to provide operation over a
broader temperature range.