Syntheses and structures of new graphite-like materials of composition BCN(H) and BC3N(H)

New graphite-like materials of composition BC0.9-1.3N0.8-0.9H0.4-0.7 and BC3.0-3.2N0.8-1.0H0.2-2, which are described as BCN(H) and BC3N(H), have been prepared by the interaction of acetonitrile with boron trichloride in a hydrogen and nitrogen atmosphere and acrylonitrile with boron trichloride, respectively. X-ray and electron diffraction analyses indicate that these materials have hexagonal structures similar to that of graphite. ESCA spectra and the possible chemical bonds suggest that the ideal structure of BCN is made of the unit structure of BC2N + BN, while BC3N is composed of BC3N + BNC3. A BCN(H) plate has a basal-plane conductivity of 1.28 (Omega cm)(-1) at room temperature, while a BC3N(H) plate has that of 88.5 (Omega cm)(-1). Thermoelectric measurements indicate that both materials behave as p-type semiconductors and a BCN(H) plate has a high Seebeck coefficient of 300 mu V/degrees K at room temperature in air.