Li-intercalation into hexagonal boron nitride Original Research Article

A Li hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) intercalation compound (Li-hBNIC) was successfully synthesized by the annealing of powder or bulk hBN and Li at 1523 K. By an XRD analysis, a strong peak indicating the expansion of BN interlayer distance due to Li-intercalation was observed at an angle lower than that of hBN (0 0 2). In the sample, the interlayer distance and its expansion ratio were 3.76 Å and 12.6%, respectively, and these values were similar to those of a first stage Li-graphite intercalation compound (Li-GIC), LiC6. The electrical conductivity of the sample was increased by several orders of magnitude, from 10−15 to 10−7 Ω−1 cm−1 at room temperature. Li de-intercalation was confirmed by the dispersion of the sample in purified water.