Abstract:
Borocarbonitrides with the general formula, (BN)1-x(C)x (or BCN for simplicity) have
emerged as a new class of 2D materials with fascinating properties.1,2 They can be
considered as a network of BN and graphene domains, in addition to having BCN rings
in the network.1,2 h-BN is a wide bandgap (~6 eV) insulator whereas graphene is a
gapless conductor.3,4 Borocarbonitrides allow us to vary the bandgap between graphene
and BN with the composition or with the carbon content. Since bandgap engineering
and tuning of the electronic properties of semiconducting materials has many
technological advantages, it appeared desirable to investigate BCN materials for the
purpose.1,2,5,6 Many attempts have been made for bandgap engineering in graphene7
by
induced strain,8,9 surface bonding, isoelectronic co-doping or chemical doping with
nitrogen and other foreign atoms.10,11 These efforts have led only to a few meV changes
in the bandgap.9 Bridging the optical gap between graphene to BN by chemical means
is therefore more appealing. Even though there have been some efforts in this direction,
there is a clear need for a systematic study where there is chemical control of the
elemental composition.1
