Comment on “Bi-functional Li2B12H12 for energy storage and conversion applications: solid-state electrolyte and luminescent down-conversion dye” by J. A. Teprovich Jr, H. Colón-Mercado, A. L. Washington II, P. A. Ward, S. Greenway, D. M. Missimer, H. Hartman, J. Velten, J. H. Christian and R. Zidan, J. Mater. Chem. A, 2015, 3, 22853

Abstract

The photoluminescent properties of selected metal closo-boranes have been assessed. Group 3 elements Sc, Y, and La as well as Li, Na, and Eu-based B₁₀H₁₀²⁻ and B₁₂H₁₂²⁻ compounds displayed photoluminescence in the ultraviolet (emission λ_max≈ 350 nm) that was not visible to the human eye, in contrast to previous reports. We attribute these earlier results to arachno-borane impurities, which are more readily observed due to their longer wavelength emission spectra.