NITROGEN SUBSTITUTED CARBON AND SILICON CLATHRATES

Abstract

Compositions comprising Type I clathrates of silicon (Si46) or carbon (C46) wherein the framework of the cage structure includes nitrogen and carbon or nitrogen and silicon or nitrogen-silicon-carbon atom type composition, with or without guest atoms in their respective cage structures. The clathrate structures are particularly useful for energy storage applications such as battery electrodes.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure relates to the compositions, structures and synthesis method of clathrate compounds wherein the framework of the cage structure includes nitrogen and carbon atoms or nitrogen and silicon atoms or a nitrogen-carbon-silicon atom composition, with and without guest atoms in their respective cage structures. These clathrates are suitable for use as thermoelectric materials, electronic materials, energy storage and relatively high modulus materials.

BACKGROUND

U.S. application Ser. No. 12/842,224 discloses, among other things, an electrode and methods for forming such electrode for a battery wherein the electrode comprises silicon clathrate. The silicon clathrate may include silicon clathrate Si₄₆ containing an arrangement of 20-atom and 24-atom cages fused together through 5 atom pentagonal rings and/or silicon clathrate Si₃₄ containing an arrangement of 20-atom and 28-atom cages fused together through 5 atom pentagonal rings.

U.S. application Ser. No. 13/109,704 discloses, among other things, clathrate (Type I) allotropes of silicon, germanium and tin that may be used for an electrode in lithium-ion batteries.

U.S. application Ser. No. 13/452,403 discloses, among other things, alloy cage structures of silicon, germanium and/or tin for use as an electrode in rechargeable batteries.

U.S. application Ser. No. 13/924,949 discloses, among other things, the composition and synthesis of clathrate compounds with a silicon and carbon framework.

SUMMARY

A composition comprising a Type I clathrate of carbon having a C₄₆ framework cage structure wherein the carbon atoms on said framework are at least partially substituted by nitrogen atoms, said composition represented by the formula N_yC_46-y with 1≦y≦45. The composition may include guest atoms as represented by the formula A_xN_yC_46-y where, A=H, Li, Na, K, Rb, Cs, Fr, Be, Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba, Ra, Eu, Cl, Br, I, and any metal or metalloid element, with 1≦y≦45 and x is the number of guest atoms within said cage structure.

A composition comprising a Type I clathrate of silicon having a Si₄₆ framework cage structure wherein the silicon atoms on said framework are at least partially substituted by nitrogen atoms, said composition represented by the formula N_ySi_46-y with 1≦y≦45. The composition may include guest atoms as represented by the formula A_xN_ySi_46-y where, A=H, Li, Na, K, Rb, Cs, Fr, Be, Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba, Ra, Eu, Cl, Br, I, and any metal or metalloid element, with 1≦y≦45 and x is the number of guest atoms within said cage structure.

A composition comprising a Type I clathrate of silicon having a Si₄₆ framework cage structure wherein the silicon atoms on said framework are at least partially substituted by nitrogen and carbon, said composition represented by the formula N_yC_zSi_46-y-z with 1≦y≦44 and 1≦z≦45−y. The composition may include guest atoms represented by the formula A_xN_yC_zSi_46-y-z where, A=H, Li, Na, K, R b, Cs, Fr, Be, Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba, Ra, Eu, Cl, Br, I, and any metal or metalloid element, with 1≦y≦45 and 1≦z≦45−y and x is the number of guest atoms within said cage structure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The detailed description below may be better understood with reference to the accompanying figures which are provided for illustrative purposes and are not to be considered as limiting any aspect of the invention.

FIG. 1 illustrates Si₂₀ and Si₂₄ cages as the building unit of the representative Type I Si₄₆ clathrate, without guest atoms.

FIG. 2 compares the energy of formation of A_xC_ySi_46-y, A_xN_yC_46-y and A_xN_ySi_46-y against those of C₄₆ and Si₄₆ clathrates as a function of lattice parameter showing nitrogen substitution of the framework atoms on C₄₆ or Si₄₆ results in stable carbon or silicon clathrate compounds.

FIG. 3 illustrates a Type I N_yC_46-y clathrate or a nitrogen-silicon clathrate, N_ySi_46-y, without guest atoms.

FIG. 4 illustrates a Type I guest-atom stabilized nitrogen-carbon clathrate (A_xN_yC_46-y) or nitrogen-silicon clathrate (A_xN_ySi_46-y) with x number of guest atoms A within the cage.

FIG. 5 illustrates the values of the energy of formation of N_ySi_46-y are compared against those of C₄₆, Si₄₆ and Li_xN_yC_46-y.

FIG. 6 illustrates the computed values of the energy of formation per atom for C₄₆, N_yC_46-y, and Li_xN_yC_46-y are compared as a function of the lattice parameter.

FIG. 7 illustrates powder x-ray diffraction patterns measured for the indicated compositions subsequent to arc-melting of powdered admixture of Ba and g-C₃N_4+xH_y.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Silicon clathrate Si₄₆ comprises crystalline Si with a regular arrangement of 20-atom and 24-atom cages fused together through 5 atom pentagonal rings (Type I clathrate). It has a simple cubic structure with a lattice parameter of 10.335 Å and 46 Si atoms per unit cell. FIG. 1 illustrates the cage structure of the Si₄₆, which belongs to the Space group Pm3n and Space Group Number 223. The crystal structure of the silicon clathrate (Si₄₆) is different from the common form of crystalline Si (c-Si), which is diamond cubic with a lattice parameter of about 5.456 Å and belongs to the Space Group Fd3m, Number 227.

Another form of silicon clathrate is Si₃₄ (Type II clathrate) that comprises crystalline Si with a regular arrangement of 20 atoms and 28 atom cages fused together through five-atom pentagonal rings. Type II Si₃₄ clathrate has a face-centered cubic (fcc) structure, with 34 Si atoms per fcc unit cell. The Si₃₄ clathrate has a lattice parameter of 14.62 Å and belongs to the Space Group Fd3m, Number 227. Type II silicon clathrate is sometimes referred to as Si₁₃₆ since the compound contains four fcc unit cells. A third form of silicon clathrate is a modification of the Si₄₆ type formed by removing four atoms from the 24-atom cages.

Theoretical computations have shown that both Type I carbon clathrate (C₄₆) and Type II carbon clathrate (C₁₃₆ or C₃₄) may exist as metastable phases under high pressures. The cage structure of Type I carbon clathrate, C₄₆, is similar to that of Si₄₆ shown in FIG. 1. Insertion of guest atoms such as Li, Na, or Ba into the cage structures has been predicted to be feasible under high pressures. However, the energy of formation for the Type I and Type II carbon clathrates are extremely high and as presently known the syntheses of neither Type I nor Type II carbon clathrates have been reported.

FIG. 2 is a summary plot that depicts the energy of formation for carbon-substituted and nitrogen-substituted clathrate compounds, which include A_xC_ySi_46-y, A_xN_yC_46-y, and A_xN_ySi_46-y, against those of C₄₆ and Si₄₆. Nitrogen substitution was therefore identified to lower the energy of formation and produce stable carbon and silicon clathrates. These computations led to the identification of three new classes of nitrogen-substituted Type I clathrates based on the carbon or silicon framework: (1) N-substituted carbon clathrates (N_yC_46-y), (2) N-substituted silicon clathrates (N_ySi_46-y), and (3) N-substituted hybrid carbon silicon clathrates (N_yC_zSi_46-y-z).

Carbon-Nitrogen Clathrates

Computational studies on the Type I carbon and silicon clathrate allotropes indicated that the carbon atoms in the theoretical C₄₆ framework can be partially substituted by nitrogen atoms to form a hybrid carbon-nitrogen clathrate, which can be represented by N_yC_46-y. FIG. 3 shows a representation of the Type I N_yC_46-y clathrate or nitrogen-silicon clathrate, N_ySi46-y, without guest atoms. Accordingly, guest atoms can be inserted into such cage structure to stabilize the clathrate by reducing the energy of formation to form, e.g., a class of nitrogen-substituted carbon clathrates, represented as A_xN_yC_46-y, where A indicates the guest atom. FIG. 4 shows a structural representation of the Type I A_xN_yC_46-y clathrate compounds where x has a value of 0-200. That is, the value of x will depend upon the size of guest atom introduced. The values of the energy of formation of N_ySi_46-y are compared against those of C₄₆, Si₄₆ and Li_xN_yC_46-y in FIG. 5. For the compositions considered, the N_ySi_46-y compounds are stable compounds as their energy of formation values are negative.

Expanding upon the above, the N_yC_46-y clathrate contains y nitrogen atoms and 46−y carbon atoms with a regular arrangement of 20-atom and 24-atom cages fused together through 5 atom pentagonal rings (Type I clathrate). It has a simple cubic structure with a lattice parameter in the range of 6.66 {acute over (Å)} to 6.86 {acute over (Å)} and a combined sum of 46 N and C atoms per unit cell. In addition, vacancies can be inserted into the N-substituted carbon framework and the sum of N atoms, C atoms and vacancies is 46. The number of vacancies may range from zero to eight (8). Like Si₄₆, the crystal structure of N_yC_46-y clathrate belongs to the Space group Pm3n, Number 223. The number of N atoms on the nitrogen-carbon framework lies between 1 and 45 (1≦y≦45).

In the case of guest atoms disposed in the carbon-nitrogen clathrates, as noted, the general formula is A_xN_yC_46-y where, A=H, Li, Na, K, Rb, Cs, Fr, Be, Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba, Ra, Eu, Cl, Br, I, and any metal or metalloid element capable of occupying the empty spaces inside the cages of this Type I clathrate structure. Examples include, but are not limited to, Ba_xN₁₈C₂₃, Ba_xN₁₈C₂₈, Ba_xN₁₈C₂₄, Ba_xN₂₃C₂₃, Li_xN₁₈C₂₃, Li_xN₁₈C₂₈, Li_xN₁₈C₂₄, Li_xN₂₃C₂₃, or similar permutations of C and N with y being an integer, a fraction, or a number plus a fractional part. In all cases, however, it is understood that C and N constitute the clathrate crystallographic structure belonging to the space group Pm3n and A_x represent guest atoms occupying the void volume of the clathrate cages. The number of guest atoms, x, that can occupy inside the cage structure depends on the atomic size of A. For relatively large atoms such as Ba, the number of Ba atoms intercalated within the cage structure is preferably eight or less (0≦x≦8). For relatively smaller atoms such as Li, the number of Li atoms, x, intercalated within the cage structures depends on the specific form and stoichiometric ratio of C and N, but in practical terms x is limited to a value defined by the onset of significant expansion of the lattice parameter, beyond which irreversible structural damage is likely to occur in the bulk material.

Accordingly, in the clathrate structure defined by the equation A_xN_yC_46-y may be understood as one that, upon intercalcation of guest atom A, the value of x is selected such that the cage structure will preferably undergo a volume expansion of less than or equal to 50.0%, or in the range of 0.1% to 50.0% in 0.1% increments. In related context, the clathrate structure is one that upon deintercalcation, preferably undergoes a volume change (contraction) of 50.0% or less, or in the range of 0.1% to 50.0% in 0.1% increments.

It can next be noted that the energy of formation for the carbon-nitrogen and silicon-nitrogen clathrates with Li guest atoms were computed using the first-principles Car-Parrinello Molecular Dynamics (CPMD) code. The computed values of the energy of formation per atom for C₄₆, N_yC_46-y, and Li_xN_yC_46-y are compared as a function of the lattice parameter in FIG. 6, which compares the energy of formation for C₄₆ and N_yC_46-y without and with Li guest atoms. Nitrogen substitution lowers the energy of formation of N_yC_46-y compared to that for C₄₆. Li insertion reduces the energy of formation further to negative values, which indicates that Li_xN_yC_46-y are stable compounds.

More specifically, insertion of Li atoms into N-substituted carbon clathrates reduces the energy of formation but increases the lattice constant of the unit cell. Type I, N-substituted carbon clathrates with Li guest atoms, represented by the formula Li_xN_yC_46-y, has a simple cubic structure with a lattice parameter in the range of 6.66 Å to 9.32 Å. The N-substituted carbon framework has a combined sum of 46 N and C atoms per unit cell and the number of Li guest atom ranges from 0 to 48 (0<x<48) for the range of lattice parameter cited. In addition, vacancies can again be inserted into the N-substituted carbon framework and the sum of N atoms, C atoms, and vacancies remains 46. The crystal structure of the Li_xN_yC_46-y clathrates belongs to the Space group Pm3n, Number 223. The number of N atoms on the hybrid nitrogen-carbon framework including the guest atoms again lies between 1 and 45 (1≦y≦45).

Nitrogen-Silicon Clathrates

As alluded to above, the silicon atoms on the Si₄₆ framework can now be partially substituted by nitrogen to form a nitrogen-silicon clathrate, represented by the formula N_ySi_46-y. See again, FIG. 3. The N_ySi_46-y clathrate can also be configured with guest atoms leading to the formula A_xN_ySi_46-y. More specifically, nitrogen-silicon framework that is represented by N_ySi_46-y comprises y nitrogen atoms and 46−y silicon atoms with a regular arrangement of 20-atom and 24-atom cages fused together through 5 atom pentagonal rings (Type I clathrate). It has a simple cubic structure with a lattice parameter in the range of 9.0 Å to 10.23 Å and a combined sum of 46 N and Si atoms per unit cell. In addition, vacancies can be inserted into the N-substituted silicon framework and the sum of N atoms, Si atoms, and vacancies remains 46. The number of vacancies may range from zero to eight (8). The crystal structure of the N_ySi_46-y clathrates belongs to the Space group Pm3n, Number 223. The number of N atoms on the hybrid nitrogen-silicon framework lies between 1 and 45 (1≦y≦45).

As therefore noted, nitrogen-silicon clathrates stabilized by guest atoms are represented by the formula A_xN_ySi_46-y, where A=H, Li, Na, K, Rb, Cs, Fr, Be, Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba, Ra, Eu, Cl, Br, I, and any metal or metalloid element capable of occupying the empty spaces inside the large cages of the Type I clathrate structure. Examples include, but are not limited to, Ba_xN₁₈Si₂₃, Ba_xN₁₈Si₂₈, Ba_xN₁₈Si₂₄, Ba_xN₂₃Si₂₃, Li_xN₁₈Si₂₃, Li_xN₁₈Si₂₈, Li_xN₁₈Si₂₄, Li_xN₂₃Si₂₃, or similar permutations of N and Si with y being an integer, a fraction, or a number plus a fractional part. In all cases, however, it is understood that N and Si constitute the clathrate crystallographic structure belonging to the space group Pm3n and A_x represent guest atoms occupying the void volume of the clathrate cages. The number of guest atoms, x, that can occupy inside the cage structure depends on the atomic size of A and may range from zero to 200 or even higher, depending on the size of the guest atom. For relatively large atoms such as Ba, the number of Ba atoms intercalated within the cage structure is eight or less (0≦x≦8). For relatively small atoms such as Li, the number of Li atoms, x, intercalated within the cage structures depends on the specific form and stoichiometric ratio of N and Si, but in practical terms x is limited to a value defined by the onset of significant expansion of the lattice parameter, beyond which irreversible structural damage is likely to occur in the bulk material.

Accordingly, in the clathrate structure defined by the equation A_xN_ySi_46-y may be understood as one that, upon intercalcation of guest atom A, the value of x is selected such that the cage structure will preferably undergo a volume expansion of less than or equal to 50.0%, or in the range of 0.1% to 50.0% in 0.1% increments. In related context, the clathrate structure is one that upon deintercalcation, preferably undergoes a volume change (contraction) of 50.0% or less, or in the range of 0.1% to 50.0% in 0.1% increments.

More specifically, insertion of Li atoms into N-substituted carbon-silicon clathrates reduces the energy of formation but increases the lattice constant of the unit cell. Type I, N-substituted carbon-silicon clathrates with Li guest atoms, represented by the formula Li_xN_yC_zSi_46-y-z, has a simple cubic structure with a lattice parameter in the range of 6.4 Å to 10.4 Å. The N-substituted silicon framework has a combined sum of 46 N, C, and Si atoms per unit cell and the number of Li guest atom ranges from 0 to 48 (0<x<48) for the range of lattice parameter cited. In addition, vacancies can be inserted into the N-substituted carbon-silicon framework and the sum of N atoms, C atoms, Si atoms, and vacancies remains 46. The number of vacancies may range from zero to eight (8). The crystal structure of the Li_xN_yC_zSi_46-y-z clathrate belongs to the Space group Pm3n, Number 223. The number of N atoms on the hybrid nitrogen-silicon framework can lie between 1 and 44 (1≦y≦44) and the number of C atoms on the hybrid nitrogen-carbon-silicon framework can lie between 1 and 45−y (1≦z≦45−y), while the total number of C, N, Si, and vacancies, if present, must be 46.

Nitrogen/Carbon/Silicon Clathrates

As alluded to above, the present disclosure also is directed at Type I nitrogen-carbon-silicon clathrates with nitrogen, carbon and silicon atoms in the framework of the cage wherein the composition is represented by the formula N_yC_zSi_46-y-z with 1≦y≦44 and 1≦z≦45−y.

In addition, the present disclosure also is directed at nitrogen-carbon-silicon clathrates stabilized by guest atoms represented by the formula A_xN_yC_zSi_46-y-z, where A=H, Li, Na, K, Rb, Cs, Fr, Be, Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba, Ra, Eu, Cl, Br, I, and any metal or metalloid element capable of occupying the empty spaces inside the large cages of the Type I clathrate structure. The value of x may be zero to 200 or greater, depending upon the size of the guest atom.

Examples include, but are not limited to, Ba_xN₈C₁₀Si₂₃, Ba_xN₈C₁₀Si₂₈, Ba_xN₈C₁₀Si₂₄, Ba_xN₈C₁₄Si₂₄, Li_xN₈C₁₀Si₂₃, Li_xN₈C₁₀Si₂₈, Li_xN₈C₁₀Si₂₄, Li_xN₈C₁₄Si₂₄, or similar permutations of N, C and Si with y being an integer, a fraction, or a number plus a fractional part and with z being an integer, a fraction, or a number plus a fractional part. In all cases, however, it is understood that N, C and Si constitute the clathrate crystallographic structure belonging to the space group Pm3n and A_x represent guest atoms occupying the void volume of the clathrate cages. The number of guest atoms, x, that can occupy inside the cage structure depends on the atomic size of A. For relatively large atoms such as Ba, the number of Ba atoms intercalated within the cage structure is eight or less (0≦x≦8). For relatively small atoms such as Li, the number of Li atoms, x, intercalated within the cage structures depends on the specific form and stoichiometric ratio of N, C and Si. Accordingly, x is limited to a value defined by the onset of significant expansion of the lattice parameter, beyond which irreversible structural damage is likely to occur in the bulk material.

Accordingly, in the clathrate structure defined by the equation A_xN_yC_zSi_46-y-z may be understood as one that, upon intercalcation of guest atom A, the value of x is selected such that the cage structure will preferably undergo a volume expansion of less than or equal to 50.0%, or in the range of 0.1% to 50.0% in 0.1% increments. In related context, the clathrate structure is one that upon deintercalcation, preferably undergoes a volume change (contraction) of 50.0% or less, or in the range of 0.1% to 50.0% in 0.1% increments.

Methods of Preparation

In the present disclosure, by way of representative example, a cage structure including guest atoms was prepared for the carbon-nitrogen clathrates noted above. Specifically, Ba₈C₁₈N₂₄ has been synthesized by arc-melting appropriate amounts of Ba and graphitic carbon nitride (g-C₃N_4+xH_y) as the starting materials. Admixtures of Ba and g-C₃N_4+xH_y (in the proportion of 20.6 g Ba, and 4.51 g of g-C₃N_4+xH_y powders) was arc-melted to make about 25.11 g of product, consisting of Ba₈C₁₈N₂₄ plus some amounts of unreacted starting materials.

Powder XRD data of the arc-melted product (i.e., not purified) is presented in FIG. 7. Some of the reflection peaks in the XRD spectra correspond to unreacted Ba and g-C₃N_4+xH_y starting materials, where the value of x ranges from 0 to 0.1 (0<x<0.1) and the value of y also ranges from 0 to 0.1 (0<y<0.1). However, the remaining reflections in the XRD spectra do not belong to Ba and g-C₃N_4+xH_y and have been assigned to the clathrate structure of the present invention. The theoretically-computed reflections for Ba₈C₁₈N₂₄ were obtained by first optimizing the Type I clathrate structures using first principles Car-Parrinello Molecular Dynamics (CPMD) computations to derive the equilibrium crystallographic parameters, followed by computing the corresponding reflections in the XRD spectrum using the analysis and visualization software called Diamond. The comparison indicates that quantities of Type I clathrate compound are present in the arc-melted Ba₈C₁₈N₂₄ product. The crystal structure of this clathrate compound is close to those of Ba₈N₁₈N₂₄ based on the characteristic reflections at 2θ of 16.9°, 24.0°, 26.9°, 34.3°, 44.9° and 49.2° for the nitrogen-substituted carbon clathrate.

Applications

It is now useful to point out the various beneficial attributes and utility for the above disclosed compositions of Type I clathrates of nitrogen-carbon, nitrogen-silicon, and nitrogen-carbon-silicon with or without guest atoms. In such compositions, the band structure and, in particular, the electrochemical work function of the alloy clathrates may be tuned by either altering the number of nitrogen atoms on the hybrid nitrogen-carbon, nitrogen-silicon, and nitrogen-carbon-silicon framework or by altering the guest atoms inserted into the cage structure of clathrate system. These electronic characteristics make this class of Type I clathrates suitable for applications as thermoelectric, electronic, energy storage, and high modulus materials.

A hybrid nitrogen, carbon, and Si framework can lead to delocalization of the band structure, reduce the band gap, and increase the electronic conductivity of the clathrate compound. The presence of nitrogen atoms on the clathrate framework can result in a smaller lattice constant and less empty space in the cage structure so that there is more electronic interaction between the guest atom and the nitrogen substituted hybrid Si and C atoms on the framework. These interactions can be tuned to enhance the Seebeck effects and electronic conductivity, alter the band gap, and reduce the thermal conductivity by adjusting the number of nitrogen atoms on the framework, the size, and the type of guest atoms inside the cage structure. For applications as energy storage materials, the band structure and, in particular, the electrochemical work function of the anode and cathode for combinations of electrodes with unique clathrate-alloy compositions may be tuned to be compatible with the rest of the battery system, including the absolute energies of the highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) and the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) of the electrolyte. This tunability of the anode and cathode may be accomplished by adjusting the stoichiometric ratios of N/A, C/A, Si/A, where A is the guest atom, or elemental form such that a desirable open-circuit potential is obtained in the charged state of the battery within a thermodynamically-stable energy range of the electrolyte. Thus, using appropriate ratios and/or elemental forms of N/A, C/A and Si/A may yield a small work function necessary for the clathrate-alloy composition to function as an anode, whereas different ratios and/or elemental form of N/A, C/A and Si/A may be used to yield a large work function necessary for the clathrate-alloy composition to function as a cathode. The battery couple (anode+cathode) that results is, therefore, based on a single class of material chemistry, though with unique ratios and elemental forms of N/A, C/A and Si/A.

Accordingly, it can be appreciated that the Type 1 carbon-nitrogen clathrates, Type 1 nitrogen-silicon clathrates, or Type 1 nitrogen-carbon-silicon clathrates herein, with or without guest atoms, may be configured such that they may be: (1) of particle form having the largest linear dimension of 0.1 μm to 100.0 μm; (2) be of electrode form wherein the electrode comprises a metal substrate and the clathrate alloy structure is present on the surface of the metal substrate; (3) be of any of the formulas noted herein: N_yC_46-y, A_xN_yC_46-y, N_ySi_46-y, A_xN_ySi_46-y, N_yC_zSi_46-y-z, or A_xN_yC_zSi_46-y-z, where A may be Li; (4) be of anode electrode form in a Li battery; (5) be of cathode electrode form in a Li battery. A Li battery may be understood as a rechargeable battery in which lithium ions move from a negative electrode to a positive electrode during discharge and when charging. During discharge lithium ions Li⁺ carry current from the negative to the positive electrode through a non-acqueous electrolyte and separator diaphragm.

Finally, the bulk modulus of the various intermetallic clathrate compounds disclosed herein was also computed using the first-principles approach according to the expression given by:

$\frac{\Delta E}{V}=\frac{9}{2}B{\delta }^2$

where ΔE/V is the energy change per unit cell volume, B is the bulk modulus, and δ is the normal strain in the three principal directions of the unit cell. A plot of ΔE/V versus δ was obtained for each unit cell of individual clathrate compounds and the data was fitted to the above equation. The regression coefficient was then used to obtain the bulk modulus, B. A summary of the theoretical bulk modulus for various intermetallic clathrate compounds is represented in Table 1 below where experimental values are indicated by an asterisk (*)

TABLE 1
Theoretical And Experimental Bulk Moduli Values
	Compound	Structure	B, GPa
	C46	Type I Clathrate	373.7
		(Simple cubic)	409
			363.7
			371
	C18N24	Type I Clathrate	257.35
	C23N23	Type I Clathrate	311.6
	Li8C23N23	Type I Clathrate	245.18
	Si23C23	Type I Clathrate	124.03
	Si6C40	Type I Clathrate	196.8
	Si18N24	Type I Clathrate	96.08
	Si23N23	Type I Clathrate	114.13
	C6Si40	Type I Clathrate	62.9
	C (Diamond)	Diamond cubic	438.8
			442*
	α-C3N4	Hexagonal	378.7
	β-C3N4	Cubic spinel	419.1
	c-Si3N4	Cubic spinel	300
			300*
	SiC	Cubic (Zinc blend)	225*

Also shown in Table 1 for comparison are theoretical or experimental data (indicated by an asterisk) of bulk modulus for diamond, carbon nitride, silicon nitride, and silicon carbide from the literature. The results in Table 1 indicate that a wide range of bulk modulus can be obtained from Type I hybrid C—N, N—Si, and C—Si clathrates, depending on the framework atoms. As can be seen, carbon clathrate compounds exhibit bulk moduli that are in the range of 245 GPa to 374 GPa. Examples of clathrates herein (C₁₈N₂₄, C₂₃N₂₃, Li₈C₂₃N₂₃, Si₁₈N₂₄, Si₂₃N₂₃) are identified, and it is therefore contemplated that the carbon-nitrogen, nitrogen-silicon and nitrogen-carbon-silicon clathrates herein will similarly indicate bulk modulus values in the range of 245 GPa to 374 GPa, depending upon the final composition selected.

Claims

1. A composition comprising a Type I clathrate of silicon having a Si46 framework cage structure wherein the silicon atoms on said framework are at least partially substituted by nitrogen atoms, said composition represented by the formula NySi46-y with 1≦y≦45.

2. The composition of claim 1 wherein said composition is in the form of a battery electrode.

3. The composition of claim 1 wherein said electrode comprises an anode electrode in a Li battery.

4. The composition of claim 1 wherein said electrode comprises a cathode electrode in a Li battery

5. The composition of claim 1 further including one or more guest atoms within said cage structure, represented by the formula AxNySi46-y where, A=H, Li, Na, K, Rb, Cs, Fr, Be, Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba, Ra, Eu, Cl, Br, I, and any metal or metalloid element, with 1≦y≦45 and x is the number of guest atoms within said cage structure.

6. The composition of claim 5 wherein x is greater than zero and less than or equal to 200.

7. The composition of claim 5 wherein A is Li.

8. The composition of claim 5 wherein x has a value such that the cage structure undergoes a volume expansion of less than or equal to 50.0%.

9. A composition comprising a Type I clathrate of silicon having a Si46 framework cage structure wherein the silicon atoms on said framework are at least partially substituted by nitrogen and carbon, said composition represented by the formula NyCzSi46-y-z with 1≦y≦44 and 1≦z≦45−y.

10. The composition of claim 9 wherein said composition is in the form of a battery electrode.

11. The composition of claim 9 wherein said electrode comprises an anode electrode in a Li battery.

12. The composition of claim 9 wherein said electrode comprises a cathode electrode in a Li battery.

13. The composition of claim 9 further including one or more guest atoms within said cage structure, represented by the formula AxNyCzSi46-y-z where, A=H, Li, Na, K, Rb, Cs, Fr, Be, Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba, Ra, Eu, Cl, Br, I, and any metal or metalloid element, with 1≦y≦45 and 1≦z≦45−y and x is the number of guest atoms within said cage structure.

14. The composition of claim 13 wherein x is greater than zero and less than or equal to 200.

15. The composition of claim 13 wherein A is Li.

16. The composition of claim 13 wherein x has a value such that the cage structure undergoes a volume expansion of less than or equal to 50.0%.