X-ray spectroscopic study of the electronic structure of boron carbonitride films obtained by chemical vapor deposition on Co/Si and CoO<Subscript><Emphasis Type="Italic">x</Emphasis></Subscript>/Si substrates

Boron carbonitride films are synthesized by chemical vapor deposition from a mixture of triethylamine borane and ammonia on a metallic or oxidized cobalt sublayer sprayed over Si(100) substrates. Scanning electron microscopy shows that the surface of a BC _x N _y /Co/Si sample has a homogeneous fine-grained structure; filamentous entities are found on the surface of the BC _x N _y /CoO _x /Si sample. The electronic structure of the films is investigated by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and near-edge X-ray absorption fine structure spectroscopy (NEXAFS). An analysis of the spectra shows that BC _x N _y films are composed of graphite and hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) regions and complex BC _x N _y O _z components with B-C, N-C, B-O, N-O, and C-O bonds. The deposition of the BC _x N _y film on the oxidized Co sublayer results in an increase in the number of C-O, N-O, B-O, and C-N bonds and a decrease of the graphite and h-BN components and in the number of C-B bonds. The XPS data are used to estimate the surface elemental composition of the BC _x N _y /CoO _x /Si sample. It is found that the film consists of 66 at.% graphite component and 3 at.% h-BN; the proportion of complex C_0.46B_0.11N_0.05O_0.38 components is 31 at.%.     

Excellent Performance of Few‐Layer Borocarbonitrides as Anode Materials in Lithium‐Ion Batteries

Borocarbonitrides (B_xC_yN_z) with a graphene‐like structure exhibit a remarkable high lithium cyclability and current rate capability. The electrochemical performance of the B_xC_yN_z materials, synthesized by using a simple solid‐state synthesis route based on urea, was strongly dependent on the composition and surface area. Among the three compositions studied, the carbon‐rich compound B_0.15C_0.73N_0.12 with the highest surface area showed an exceptional stability (over 100 cycles) and rate capability over widely varying current density values (0.05–1 A g^?1). B_0.15C_0.73N_0.12 has a very high specific capacity of 710 mA h g^?1 at 0.05 A g^?1. With the inclusion of a suitable additive in the electrolyte, the specific capacity improved drastically, recording an impressive value of nearly 900 mA h g^?1 at 0.05 A g^?1. It is believed that the solid–electrolyte interphase (SEI) layer at the interface of B_xC_yN_z and electrolyte also plays a crucial role in the performance of the B_xC_yN_z .     

Amin-Borane als Precursoren für Borcarbidnitrid

Amine-Boranes as Precursors for Boron Carbonitride Amine-Boranes have been investigated with respect to their thermal decomposition in the temperature range from rom temperature to 1050°C. The phase transformation of the pyrolytic residue derived from BH₃ · C₅H₅N subsequently heat-treated at temperatures up to 2200°C was studied. The progress of the pyrolysis has been detected by thermal analysis (TGA) and mass spectroscopy. Chemical analysis and ESCA measurements show that the pyrolytic products are single-phase boron carbonitride (B_xC_yN_z) which can be described as a boron and nitrogen containing pyrolytic carbon. This is also supported by means of analytical electron microscopy. Hot pressing of the pyridine-borane-derived B_xC_yN_z at 1800°C and a pressure of 190 MPa yields whiskerlike crystals whose d-values are in accordance with that of BN and/or graphite.     

Integrated absorption intensities of haloethanes and halopropanes

The infrared absorption intensities of the chlorofluorocarbons C₂Cl_xF_y, (x + y = 6); the hydrofluorocarbons C₂H_xF_yH (x + y = 6); and a number of hydrochlorofluorocarbons, including some members of the propane series, have been measured. Absorption intensities have been obtained by integration over specified ranges of frequencies. The ranges used include the atmospheric window (1250t-833 cm⁻¹), 3500-450 cm⁻¹, 1300-700 cm⁻¹, and those for selected individual absorption bands. Comparisons of the results have been made with published work where available, and attention is drawn to possible sources of error in the measurement of band areas. The spectra of the halopropanes have been included for the range 3500-150 cm⁻¹. A preliminary study has been made of the relation between the number of fluorine atoms in the molecule and the intensity of absorption of the CF stretching vibrations.     

Synthesis and electrochemical properties of sulfur doped-LixMnO2−ySy materials for lithium secondary batteries

Sulfur doped lithium manganese oxides (Li_xMnO_2−yS_y) were prepared by ion exchange of sodium for lithium in Na_xMnO_2−yS_y precursors obtained by a sol–gel method. These materials had the nano-crystallite size, which was composed of grain size of about 100–200 nm. Especially, Li_0.56MnO_1.98S_0.02 delivered the initial discharge capacity of 170 mAh g⁻¹ and gradually increased the discharge capacity of 220 mAh g⁻¹ until 50 cycles. Moreover, it showed an excellent cycling behavior, although its original structure transformed into the spinel phase during cycling.     

Analytical characterization of BCxNy films generated by LPCVD with triethylamine borane

Triethylamine borane (TEAB) and He, N₂ or NH₃ were applied as additional reaction gases in the production of BC_xN_y layers by low-pressure chemical vapor deposition (LPCVD). These layers were deposited on Si(100) wafers and characterized chemically by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and synchrotron radiation-based total-reflection X-ray fluorescence analysis combined with near-edge X-ray absorption fine-structure spectroscopy (TXRF-NEXAFS). The composition of the material produced without NH₃ was found to be dominated by B–C bonds with the stoichiometric formula B₂C₃N. B–N bonds with the formula B₂CN₃ were preferred when NH₃ was added. A first attempt was made to compare the results obtained by applying trimethylamine borane and TEAB as single-source precursors.     

Toward Understanding the Enhanced Pseudocapacitive Storage in 3D SnS/MXene Architectures Enabled by Engineered Surface Reactions

The optimization of three-dimensional (3D) MXene-based electrodes with desired electrochemical performances is highly demanded. Here, a precursor-guided strategy is reported for fabricating the 3D SnS/MXene architecture with tiny SnS nanocrystals (≈5 nm in size) covalently decorated on the wrinkled Ti₃C₂T_x nanosheets through Ti−S bonds (denoted as SnS/Ti₃C₂T_x-O). The formation of Ti−S bonds between SnS and Ti₃C₂T_x was confirmed by extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS). Rather than bulky SnS plates decorated on Ti₃C₂T_x (SnS/Ti₃C₂T_x-H) by one-step hydrothermal sulfidation followed by post annealing, this SnS/Ti₃C₂T_x-O presents size-dependent structural and dynamic properties. The as-formed 3D hierarchical structure can provide short ion-diffusion pathways and electron transport distances because of the more accessible surface sites. In addition, benefiting from the tiny SnS nanocrystals that can effectively improve Na⁺ diffusion and suppress structural variation upon charge/discharge processes, the as-obtained SnS/Ti₃C₂T_x-O can generate pseudocapacitance-dominated storage behavior enabled by engineered surface reactions. As predicted, this electrode exhibits an enhanced Na storage capacity of 565 mAh g⁻¹ at 0.1 A g⁻¹ after 75 cycles, outperforming SnS/Ti₃C₂T_x-H (336 mAh g⁻¹), SnS (212 mAh g⁻¹), and Ti₃C₂T_x (104 mAh g⁻¹) electrodes.     

Enhanced lithium electrochromism of atmospheric pressure plasma jet-synthesized tungsten/molybdenum oxide films for flexible electrochromic devices

Enhanced lithium electrochromic performances of mixed organo-tungsten oxide (W _x O _y C _z )/organo-molybdenum oxide (Mo _x O _y C _z ) films by a rapid codeposition onto 40 Ω/□ flexible polyethylene terephthalate/indium tin oxide substrates at a short exposed duration of 23 s using an atmospheric pressure plasma jet (APPJ) at various mixed concentrations of hexacarbonyl precursors [W(CO)₆ and Mo(CO)₆] are investigated. The flexible organo-tungsten–molybdenum oxide (WMo _x O _y C _z ) films demonstrated noteworthy electrochromic performance for 200 cycles of reversible Li⁺ ion intercalation and deintercalation in a 1 M LiClO₄–propylene carbonate electrolyte by the switching measurements of potential sweep from ?1 to 1 V at a scan rate of 50 mV/s and the potential step at ?1 and 1 V, even after being bent 360^o around a 2.5-cm diameter rod for 1,000 cycles. The optical modulation (ΔT) of 61.3 % for MoO _y C _z films at a wavelength of 795.6 nm was significantly improved up to 72.5 % for WMo _x O _y C _z films cosynthesized with an APPJ.     

Inverse emulsions in a molten salt/hydroxy-terminated polybutadiene system using block copolymers as emulsifiers

Block copolymers of poly(N-t-butylbenzoyl ethylenimine) and poly(N-propionyl ethylenimine) (B_x/E_y and B_x/E_y/B_x) or poly (N-lauroyl ethylenimine) and poly (N-propionyl ethylenimine) (U_x/E_y) were synthesized by cationic ring-opening polymerization of 2-substituted δ2-oxazolines. Inverse emulsions (salt-in-oil) were made using these block copolymers as emulsifiers, hydroxy-terminated polybutadiene (HTPB) as the nonpolar phase and methyl ammonium ethane sulfonate (MAES) as the polar phase. These inverse emulsions (S/O) were then cured using a triisocyanate to give a dispersion of molten salt (MAES) droplets in polyurethane. Pore sizes of these cured inverse emulsions were measured from scanning electron photomicrographs as a function of stirring time and concentrations of block copolymer and molten salt. The results indicate that pores with diameters in the range of 1.5 X 10^?6 m can be obtained using triblock copolymer B_x/E_y/B_x, and that the surfactant molecules can be spread as a monolayer at the MAES-HTPB interface.     

The determination and assignment of a complete 14N quadrupole coupling tensor in liquid solution

¹⁴N line splittings in the spectrum of nitrobenzene (neat liquid) and metadinitrobenzene (dissolved in benzene), induced by an external electric field, have been used to determine the complete ¹⁴N quadrupole coupling tensor of these substances. Assuming that both molecules are rigid and planar, and that the quadrupole coupling tensors at the ¹⁴N nuclei are identical, the principal components in a local reference frame (x′, y′, z′) are (eQ/h)V_x′ x′ = ±0.34 MHz (eQ/h)V_y′_y′= ±1.18 Hz and (eQ/h)V_z′_z′ = ±1.52. The z′-direction is parallel to the CN bond and the y?direction is perpendicular to the plane of the nitrogroup. With these data the asymmetry parameter η = 0.55.     

Molecular engineering of CxNy: Topologies,electronic structures and multidisciplinary applications

As a class of metal-free two-dimensional (2D) semiconductor materials, polymeric carbon nitrides have attracted wide attention recently due to its facile regulation of the molecular and electronic structures, availability in abundance and high stability. According to the different ratios of C and N atoms in the framework, a series of C_xN_y materials have been successfully synthesized by virtue of various precursors, which further triggers extensive investigations of broad applications ranging from sustainable photocatalytic reactions and highly sensitive optoelectronic biosensing. In view of topological structures on their electronic structures and material properties, the as-reported C_xN_y could be generally classified into two main categories with three- or six-bond-extending frameworks. Owing to the effective n→π* transition in most C_xN_y materials, the relative energy level of the lone-pair electrons on N atoms is high, which thus endows the materials with the capability of visible light absorption. Meanwhile, the different repeating units, bridging groups and defect sites of these two kinds of C_xN_y allow them to effectively drive a diverse of promising applications that require specific electronic, interfacial and geometric properties. This review paper aims to summarize the recent progress in topological structure design and the relevant electronic band structures and striking properties of C_xN_y materials. In the final part, we also discuss the existing challenges of C_xN_y and outlook the prospect possibilities.     

Novel BC2N Nanocages: A DFT Investigation

We modeled and studied three types of novel B₁₂C₂₄N₁₂ cages. The structure of these cages was inspired by those of BC₂N nanotubes and the B₂₄N₂₄ fulborene skeleton. Density functional theory was used to investigate the various properties of the cages. All three isomers of B₁₂C₂₄N₁₂ were vibrationally stable. The highest occupied molecular orbital‐lowest unoccupied molecular orbital band gap was dependent on the BC₂N cage type. The B₁₂C₂₄N₁₂‐II cage was the most favorable nanocage and exhibited a large electric dipole moment. Natural bonding orbital (NBO) analysis confirmed the existence of lone pairs and unoccupied orbitals in the B₁₂C₂₄N₁₂ cages. New donor–acceptor interactions of natural MOs (Molecular Orbitals) were observed in BC₂N nanocages. The NBO and atomic polar tensor charges appeared to be fairly well correlated, showing that atomic charges can be obtained at a lower computational cost in this way.     

The relationship between properties of fluorinated graphite intercalates and matrix composition

Inclusion compounds: intercalates of fluorinated graphite matrix with acetonitrile (C₂F_xBr_z·yCH₃CN, x=0.92, 0.87, 0.69 and 0.49, z≈0.01) were synthesized. The kinetics of the thermal decomposition (the 1^st stage of filling→the 2^nd stage of filling) was studied under isothermal conditions. The relationship between intercalates properties and composition and structure of the matrix is discussed. The online version of the original article can be found at     

A novel boron-rich quaternary scandium borocarbosilicide Sc3.67−xB41.4−y−zC0.67+zSi0.33−w

A novel quaternary scandium borocarbosilicide Sc_3.67−xB_41.4−y−zC_0.67+zSi_0.33−w was found. Single crystallites were obtained as an intergrowth phase in the float-zoned single crystal of Sc_0.83−xB_10.0−yC_0.17+ySi_0.083−z that has a face-centered cubic crystal structure. Single crystal structure analysis revealed that the compound has a hexagonal structure with lattice constants a = b = 1.43055(8) nm and c = 2.37477(13) nm and space group (No. 187). The crystal composition calculated from the structure analysis for the crystal with x = 0.52, y = 1.42, z = 1.17, and w = 0.02 was ScB_12.3C_0.58Si_0.10 and that agreed rather well with the composition of ScB_11.5C_0.61Si_0.04 measured by EPMA. In the crystal structure that is a new structure type of boron-rich borides, there are 79 structurally independent atomic sites, 69 boron and/or carbon sites, two silicon sites and eight scandium sites. Boron and carbon form seven structurally independent B₁₂ icosahedra, one B₉ polyhedron, one B₁₀ polyhedron, one irregularly shaped B₁₆ polyhedron in which only 10.7 boron atoms are available because of partial occupancies and 10 bridging sites. All polyhedron units and bridging site atoms interconnect each other forming a three-dimensional boron framework structure. Sc atoms reside in the open spaces in the boron framework structure.     

A Novel Boron-Rich Scandium Borocarbide; Sc4.5−xB57−y+zC3.5−z(x=0.27, y=1.1, z=0.2)

A novel ternary boron-rich scandium borocarbide Sc_4.5−xB_57−y+zC_3.5−z (x=0.27, y=1.1, z=0.2) was found. Single crystals were obtained by the floating zone method by adding a small amount of Si. Single-crystal structure analysis revealed that the compound has an orthorhombic structure with lattice constants of a=1.73040(6), b=1.60738(6) and c=1.44829(6) nm and space group Pbam (No. 55). The crystal composition ScB_13.3C_0.78Si_0.008 calculated from the structure analysis agreed with the measured composition of ScB_12.9C_0.72Si_0.004. The orthorhombic crystal structure is a new structure type of boron-rich borides and there are six structurally independent B₁₂ icosahedra I1—I6, one B₈/B₉ polyhedron and nine bridging sites all which interconnect each other to form a three-dimensional boron framework. The main structural feature of the boron framework structure can be understood as a layer structure where two kinds of boron icosahedron network layer L1 and L2 stack each other along the c-axis. There are seven structurally independent Sc sites in the open spaces between the boron icosahedron network layers.     

The relationship between properties of fluorinated graphite intercalates and matrix composition

Inclusion compounds (intercalates) of fluorinated graphite matrix with butanone (C₂F_xBr_z·yCH₃COC₂H₅, x = 0.49, 0.69, 0.87, 0.92, z ≈ 0.01) were prepared by guest substitution from acetonitrile to butanone. The kinetics of the thermal decomposition (the 1st stage of filling → the 2nd stage of filling) was studied under isothermal conditions at 294–313 K. The relationship of the host matrices structure with inclusion compounds’ thermal properties and kinetic parameters is discussed.     

The relationship between properties of fluorinated graphite intercalates and matrix composition 7

Inclusion compounds (intercalates) of fluorinated graphite matrix with ethyl acetate (C₂F_xBr_z·yCH₃COOC₂H₅, x = 0.49, 0.69, 0.87, 0.92, z = 0.01) were prepared by guest substitution from acetonitrile to ethyl acetate. The kinetics of the thermal decomposition (the first stage of filling → the second stage of filling) was studied under isothermal conditions at 291–307 K. The relationship of the host matrices’ structure with inclusion compounds’ thermal properties and kinetic parameters is discussed.     

Substitutional disorder in Sr2−yEuyB2−2xSi2+3xAl2−xN8+x (x≃ 0.12, y≃ 0.10)

A novel nitride, Sr_2−yEu_yB_2−2xSi_2+3xAl_2−xN_8+x (x≃ 0.12, y≃ 0.10) (distrontium europium diboron disilicon dialuminium octanitride), with the space group P2c, was synthesized from Sr₃N₂, EuN, Si₃N₄, AlN and BN under nitrogen gas pressure. The structure consists of a host framework with Sr/Eu atoms accommodated in the cavities. The host framework is constructed by the linkage of MN₄ tetrahedra (M = Si, Al) and BN₃ triangles, and contains substitutional disorder described by the alternative occupation of B₂ or Si₂N on the (0, 0, z) axis. The B₂:Si₂N ratio contained in an entire crystal is about 9:1.     

X-ray photoelectron and auger spectroscopic study of the chemical composition of BC<Subscript><Emphasis Type="Italic">x</Emphasis></Subscript>N<Subscript><Emphasis Type="Italic">y</Emphasis></Subscript> films

X-ray photoelectron and Auger spectroscopy are used to investigate the chemical composition of BC _x N _y films synthesized by PECVD from different initial gas mixtures in the temperature range 473–723 K. Main principles and features of the film formation are found. It is shown that the chemical composition of BC _x N _y films significantly depends on the synthesis parameters, which enables targeted control of their physical properties. The obtained data are discussed.     

Tuning Hydrogen Storage in Lithium‐Functionalized BC2N Sheets by Doping with Boron and Carbon

First‐principles calculations are used to explore the strong binding of lithium to boron‐ and carbon‐doped BC₂N monolayers (BC₂NB_C and BC₂NC_N, respectively) without the formation of lithium clusters. In comparison to BC₂N and BC₂NC_B, lithium‐decorated BC₂NB_C and BC₂NC_N systems possess stronger s–p and p–p hybridization and, hence, the binding energy is higher. Lithium becomes partially positively charged by donating electron density to the more electronegative atoms of the sheet. Attractive van der Waals interactions are responsible for binding hydrogen molecules around the lithium atoms. Each lithium atom can adsorb three hydrogen molecules on both sides of the sheet, with an average hydrogen binding energy of approximately 0.2 eV, which is in the range required for practical applications. The BC₂NB_C–Li and BC₂NC_N–Li complexes can serve as high‐capacity hydrogen‐storage media with gravimetric hydrogen capacities of 9.88 and 9.94 wt %, respectively.