Template Directed Synthesis of Boron Carbon Nitride Nanotubes (BCN‐NTs) and Their Evaluation for Energy Storage Properties

Abstract

Abstract A unique approach has been applied for the synthesis of 1D boron carbon nitride nanotubes (BCN‐NTs) using MnO2 nanowires as templates. BCN‐NTs have been evaluated in Na‐ion batteries, Li‐ion batteries, and supercapacitors as electrode material and exhibited excellent and stable electrochemical performance. BCN‐NTs as an anode for Na‐ion battery has been shown to be highly stable up to 3000 cycles with capacity retention of 95 mAh g−1, at a high current density of 1 A g−1. In the case of the Li‐ion battery, these BCN‐NTs show a specific capacity of 563 mAh g−1 at a current density of 50 mA g−1. Finally, when used as an electrode for a supercapacitor, BCN‐NTs display a specific capacity of 221 F g−1 at a current density of 3 A g−1 and 168 F g−1 even at a very high current density of 30 A g−1 exemplifying the excellent rate performance. The multifunctionality and stable performance of BCN‐NTs among various electrochemical energy storage systems highlight the robustness of the material and make it an excellent candidate for scalable production and commercialization.

Keywords

• 1D‐nanostructure
• boron carbon nitride nanotubes (BCN‐NTs)
• Co‐doping
• Li‐ion battery
• Na‐ion battery
• supercapacitors