The role of MgB12H12 in the hydrogen desorption process of Mg(BH4)2

The presence of MgB12H12 has often been considered as the major obstacle for the reversible hydrogen storage in Mg(BH4)(2). This communication provides evidence that the MgB12H12 phase (or [B12H12](2-) monomer) does not exist in the decomposition products of Mg(BH4)(2) at temperatures ranging from 265 to 400 degrees C, and thereby it will not act as a dead end.