BC2N nanotube as a promising anode for rechargeable calcium ion batteries

Abstract

Because of cost-effective production and abundant resources of calcium, Ca-ion batteries (CIBs) are an appropriate option to alternate Li-ion batteries (LIBs). A new category of anode materials for CIBs has emerged since the successful synthesis of carbon nanotubes, which are B and N doped derivatives of it. For high-performance CIBs, BC2N nanotube (BC2NNT) has been studied as promising anode materials. In order to comprehend electrochemical attributes, cycling stability, and adsorption behavior of BC2NNT, first-principles computations have been executed. Based on nuclear magnetic resonance computations, two types of hexagonal rings (B2C2N2 (I) and BC4N (II)) were specified that are non-aromatic. Ca has adsorption on B2C2N2 and BC4N with adsorption energy (Ead) values of −47.44 and −28.50 kcal/mol, respectively. Specific capacity value has been determined to be as high as 840 mAh/g. The predicted average open-circuit voltage (OCV) for BC2NNT is 1.56 V, which has a larger value than that of other 2D materials. All mentioned reasons provide BC2NNT as an acceptable anode material for use in CIBs. In present research, results may create new ways of designing favorable boron-carbon-nitrogen based anode materials for CIBs.