Rational design of a C3N/C3B p–n heterostructure as a promising anode material in Li-ion batteries†
Abstract
It is urgent to develop high-performance anode materials for lithium-ion batteries. In this work, a C3N/C3B p–n heterostructure was systematically investigated by first-principles calculations. The bonding strength of Li in C3N is relatively low (−0.53 eV), whereas the C3N/C3B heterostructure (−1.64 eV to −2.84 eV) can greatly improve the bonding strength without compromising the Li migration capability. The good bonding strength and Li mobility in the C3N/C3B heterostructure are mainly caused by the synergy effect and internal electric field of the p–n heterostructure. Moreover, the electronic structures indicate that the C3N/C3B heterostructure has good conductivity with a tiny bandgap of 0.09 eV. Compared to pristine C3N, the stiffness of the C3N/C3B heterostructure improved significantly (549.35 N m−1). Besides, the C3N/C3B heterostructure presents a high lithium-ion storage capacity (986.61 mA h g−1). The ultrahigh stiffness, good conductivities of electrons and ions, high bonding strength of Li, and high capacity show that the C3N/C3B heterostructure is a prospective anode material for lithium-ion batteries.