ATEM-EELS study of new diamond-like phases in the B–C–N system

Novel ternary diamond-like phases of the B–C–N system were synthesized at pressures up to 30 GPa and temperatures up to 3500 K by static and dynamic compression of graphite-like BN–C solid solutions. The structure and properties of these new phases were studied using analytical transmission electron microscopy (ATEM), electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS) and powder X-ray diffraction. Our results reveal that B, C and N atoms are homogeneously distributed over the crystal lattices of the B–C–N phases under study without forming superstructures. All ternary diamond-like B–C–N phases indicate a clear tendency to decompose at high temperatures because of supersaturation of diamond in the BN component.