Possible production of C3N4 in the microwave-discharge plasma of C2H2/N2

Abstract

C 3 N 4 species were unexpectedly detected in an analysis of the products in a C2H2/N2 microwave discharge using Li+ ion-attachment mass spectrometry. The mass spectra exhibited a Li+ adduct peak at a m/z of 99, which was tentatively assigned to C3N4. The possibility of the production of C3N4 was investigated. Discharge conditions were varied with a view toward increasing the production rate and confirming the presence of this compound in the gas phase. The production rate was found to increase with the nitrogen concentration. Both ab initio and density functional theory calculations were also performed.

3 Mass spectrometry of free radicals: a methodological overview

“…The mass spectra exhibit the Li + adduct peak at m/z 99. We assign this peak tentatively 141 to C 3 N 4 . The possibility of production of C 3 N 4 was investigated.…”