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

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.