Crystallization of an amorphous B―C―N precursor with a Li―B―N catalyst at high pressures and temperatures

Abstract An orthorhombic B–C–N compound was synthesized using an amorphous B–C–N precursor and a Li–B–N catalyst at 6 GPa and 1773 K. The results of energy dispersive spectrometry and electronic energy loss spectrometry suggest a stoichiometry of B:C:N = 1:3.3:1. In addition, the Li–B–N catalyst improves the crystallizations of the B–C–N compound, graphite and BN and therefore might be a profitable catalyst in ultrahigh pressure experiments.