Diamondlike properties in a single phase carbon nitride solid

The intrinsic properties and bonding of single phase carbon nitride thin films of stoichiometry C2N have been studied. C2N exhibits high electrical resistivity and thermal conductivity that are similar to the properties shown by diamondlike carbon (DLC) films. Electron energy loss spectroscopy studies how, however, that the carbon in C2N is sp(2)-hybridized rather than sp(3)-bonded carbon as in DLC. This carbon bonding in C2N film leads to a high thermal stability that makes C2N distinct from DLC and nitrogen doped DLCs, and thus an attractive candidate for applications. (C) 1996 American Institute of Physics.