fig1
Figure 1. Comparative synthetic strategies for the preparation of metal dodecaborates. (A) Conventional solution-based synthesis followed by multi-step cation exchange; (B) Solvent-free synthesis; (C) This works: improved solvothermal synthesis followed by a solvent-exchange step. DMS·BH3: Borane dimethyl sulfide complex; DMSO: dimethyl sulfoxide; LiBH4: lithium borohydride; Li2B12H12: lithium dodecaborate.
