Synthesis of a Bimetallic Dodecaborate LiNaB_(12)H_(12)with Outstanding Superionic Conductivity

Metal dodecaborates M_2/_nB_(12)H_(12) (n denotes the valence of the metal M), containing icosahedral polyatomic anion [B_(12)H_(12)]^(2−), have been attracting increasing interest as potential energy materials, especially in the context of hydrogen storage and superionic conductivity. M_2/_nB_(12)H_(12) are commonly formed as dehydrogenation intermediates from metal borohydrides M(BH_4)_n, like LiBH_4 and Mg(BH_4)_2, which are well-known as potential high-density hydrogen storage materials. The strong B−B bond in the icosahedral [B_(12)H_(12)]^(2−), however, is regarded to be the key factor that prevents the rehydrogenation of dodecaborates. In order to elucidate the mechanism as well as to provide effective solutions to this problem, a novel solvent-free synthesis route of anhydrous M_2/nB_(12)H_(12) (here M means Li, Na, and K) has been developed. Thermal stability and transformations of the anhydrous single phase Li_2B_(12)H_(12) suggested the formation of the high temperature polymorph of Li_2B_(12)H_(12) during the dehydrogenation of LiBH_4, while concurrently emphasized the importance of further investigation on the decomposition mechanism of metal borohydrides and metal dodecaborates. The high stability of icosahedral [B_(12)H_(12)]^(2−), on the other hand, favors its potential application as solid electrolyte. Recently, Na^+ conductivity of Na_2B_(12)H_(12) was reported to be 0.1 S/cm above its order−disorder phase transition at ∼529 K, which is comparable to that of a polycrystalline β"-Al_2O_3 (0.24 S/cm at 573 K) solid state Na-electrolyte. Mechanistic understanding on the diffusion behavior of cation and further improvement of ionic conductivity at a lower temperature, however, are important in order to facilitate the practical application of metal dodecaborates as superionic conductors.