title: Excellent performance of few-layer borocarbonitrides as anode materials in lithium-ion batteries.
abstract: Borocarbonitrides (BxCyNz) with a graphene-like structure exhibit a remarkable high lithium cyclability and current rate capability. The electrochemical performance of the Bx Cy Nz 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 B0.15C0.73N0.12 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)). B0.15C0.73N0.12 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 BxCyNz and electrolyte also plays a crucial role in the performance of the BxCyNz .
authors.affiliation: Solid State and Structural Chemistry Unit, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, 560012 (India), Fax: (+91) 8023601310.
authors.forename: Sudeshna
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Sen
authors.forename: Kota
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Moses
authors.forename: Aninda J
authors.initials: AJ
authors.lastname: Bhattacharyya
authors.forename: C N R
authors.initials: CN
authors.lastname: Rao
keywords: borocarbonitrides; doping; graphene; layered compounds; lithium-ion batteries