Atomic structure and properties of amorphous boron carbon nitride (BC2N): An ab initio study

This study investigates the atomic structure and properties of amorphous boron carbon nitride (a- BC2N) using ab initio molecular dynamics simulations. Structural analysis reveals a layer-like topology with varied bonding environments. Unlike the ordered alternating C-C and B-N layers found in the lowest-energy crystalline BC2N structure, a-BC2N features a solid-solution-like arrangement, with B, C, and N atoms randomly distributed within each layer. This randomness gives rise to small, distinct C-rich and BN-rich domains and irregular short zigzag chains of C-C and B-N bonds within each layer. Electronic structure analysis suggests that a-BC2N is likely a semiconductor. Mechanically, a-BC2N displays properties typical of layered materials but with an enhanced bulk modulus.