Amorphous Boron Carbonitride (BC4N) From Ab Initio Simulations

Abstract

This study utilizes ab initio molecular dynamics simulations to explore the structure and properties of amorphous boron carbonitride (a-BC4N). A 432-atom model, generated via a conventional melt-and-quench technique, exhibits a graphite-like structure with all elements possessing an average coordination number of about 3.0. C atoms dominate within individual layers, interspersed with distinct BN domains. This atomic arrangement deviates considerably from that proposed for crystalline BC4N structures. Despite this structural variation, the aBC4N model is likely a narrow band gap semiconductor (0.15 eV), similar to its crystalline counterparts. In terms of mechanical properties, a-BC4N demonstrates similarities with various layered materials while exhibiting a notably larger bulk modulus.