Formation of Nanoscale Sodium Dodecahydro-closo-Dodecaborate Na2[B12H12] on the Surface of a Silicate Matrix

Abstract

The method of synthesis of nanoscaled sodium dodecahydro-closo-dodecaborate Na₂[B₁₂H₁₂] is presented. The desired product has been prepared by heating to 200°C the composite formed by the introduction of the triethylammonium salt [Et₃NH]₂[B₁₂H₁₂] into the silicate matrix of sodium liquid glass. The morphology and phase composition of the synthesized sample have been studied by SEM and X-ray diffraction methods in comparison with regular Na₂[B₁₂H₁₂] salt. According to the obtained data, the sample under study is an amorphous composite, on the surface of which nanoscale crystals of Na₂[B₁₂H₁₂] are formed.