Direct Synthesis of Bulk Boron-Doped Graphitic Carbon

The single-step reaction of benzene and boron tribromide in a closed reactor at elevated temperature (800 degrees C) results in the synthesis of bulk boron-doped graphitic carbon. Materials of continuously tunable composition BCx' are accessible (x >= 3), exhibiting the structure of a solid-solution of boron within turbostratic graphite (G'). Upon extended heat treatment or at higher temperatures, graphitic BCx' is leached of boron and undergoes a phase separation into boron carbide and graphite. Higher boron content is correlated with an increased maximum capacity for alkali metal ions, making graphitic BCx' a promising candidate anode material for emerging sodium-ion batteries.