PhD Title: Optimising the regeneration of sodium borohydride for solid-state green hydrogen
Aneeka graduated with a Master’s degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of Birmingham, and is currently a PhD candidate at Curtin University.
Aneeka’s research focuses on the regeneration of sodium borohydride (NaBH4) for solid-state green hydrogen export. Sodium borohydride has a high hydrogen content and is a powder at room temperature, making it safe to export. Once the sodium borohydride is at its destination, water can be added in the presence of a metal catalyst to release hydrogen and a by-product, sodium metaborate (NaBO2), which can be returned via ship to Australia. Aneeka’s work investigates cost-effective regeneration of NaBH4 from NaBO2 to successfully close the loop and reduce the raw material requirements. These regeneration systems would be powered by renewable energy sources to eliminate the emission of greenhouse gases to ensure that green hydrogen is exported.