By in situ X-ray diffraction (XRD) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, the role
of Li_2B_(12)H_(12) for the sorption of LiBH_4 is analyzed. We demonstrate that Li_2B_(12)H_(12) and an
amorphous Li_2B_(10)H_(10) phase are formed by the reaction of LiBH_4 with diborane (B_2H_6) at 200 °C.
Based on our present results, we propose that the Li -2B - (12)H_(12) formation in the desorption of LiBH_4 can
be explained as a result of reaction of diborane and LiBH_4. This reaction of the borohydride with
diborane may also be observed for other borohydrides, where B_(12)H_(12) phases are found during
decomposition
