Electrochemical and solid-state lithiation of graphitic C3N4

Abstract

Lithium reacted graphitic carbon nitride (C3N4) was fabricated by electrochemical and solid-state reactions. The data show the addition of Li to C3N4 results in a reaction between the Li and the graphite like C3N species in C3N4. This reaction leads to the formation of Li-CH=NR and Li-N=CR2 species which are likely detrimental to anode properties. From these experiments suitable nitrogen doped carbon structures for anode applications are predicted to need high concentrations of C-N-C terminal bonds and low concentrations of quaternary C3N species to boost electronic conductivity.