Ab initio determination of lattice dynamics and thermodynamics of β-BC2N

Using the pseudopotential density functional method, an ab initio study has been performed to determine the lattice dynamics and thermodynamics of beta-BC2N, including phonon dispersion, phonon density of states, and thermodynamic properties. A considerable energetic overlap between the LO-, TO-, and LA-phonons is revealed in the phonon dispersion. The total phonon density of states shows Four main regions arising from different relative motions among the B, C1, C2, and N atoins. The calculation shows that beta-BC2N has more vibration states in the low frequency region than diamond and hence, its heat capacity C-v is greater than that of diamond. The Debye temperature Theta(D) of beta-BC2N, which determines the Debye stiffness, is found to be smaller and larger than those of diamond and c-BN, respectively. (c) 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.