Boron-carbon-nitrogen compounds as negative electrode matrices for rechargeable lithium battery systems

Boron-carbon-nitrogen composite (BCxN) matrices (BC3N, BC7N, and BC10N) for rechargeable lithium batteries are synthesized by a thermal decomposition method. BC10NLi0.5 is prepared by the thermal decomposition of a mixture of the starting materials for BC10N and lithium hydroxide (LiOH). The charge/discharge behaviour of these layered-structure compounds is investigated in an organic electrolyte that contains lithium salts. The capacity increases with an increase in the carbon content. The LiOH treatment causes an increase in the discharge capacity of boron-carbon-nitrogen material.