Synthesis and characterization of single phase Li_xBC ( x=0.5 and 1.0), using Li hydride as a starting material

The hole-doped Li_xBC (x<1) has been theoretically predicted to exhibit superconductivity. In this report, preliminary information about the atomistic structure, thermal stability and magnetic property was presented on the single phase Li_xBC (x=0.5 and 1.0), using Li hydride as a starting material. The hydrogen concentration in Li_xBC (x=0.5) is about 0.7mass% (Li_0.5BC-H_0.18), and the hydrogen desorption occurs around 700K. The absence of superconductivity might originate from the modified atomistic structure, detected by Raman spectroscopy. We propose that the hydrogen concentrations can be varied for realizing superconductivity in Li_xBC (x<1).