Two-Dimensional graphene-HfS$_2$ van der Waals heterostructure as electrode material for Alkali-ion batteries

TL;DR

This study investigates the graphene-HfS$_2$ van der Waals heterostructure as a promising electrode material for alkali-ion batteries, demonstrating favorable energetics and ion intercalation properties through density functional theory calculations.

Contribution

It introduces the graphene-HfS$_2$ heterostructure as a novel electrode material with favorable properties for alkali-ion batteries, supported by theoretical analysis.

Findings

Li and K show low diffusion barriers and positive voltages.

Gr-HfS$_2$ outperforms bilayer graphene and HfS$_2$ as an electrode.

Heterostructure formation is energetically favored.

Abstract

Poor electrical conductivity and large volume expansion during repeated charge and discharge is what has characterized many battery electrode materials in current use. This has led to 2D materials, specifically multi-layered 2D systems, being considered as alternatives. Among these 2D multi-layered systems are the graphene-based van der Waals heterostructures with transition metal di-chalcogenides (TMDCs) as one of the layers. Thus in this study, graphene-Hafnium disulphide (Gr-HfS$_2$) system, has been investigated as a prototype Gr-TMDC system for application as battery electrode. Density functional theory calculations indicate that Gr-HfS$_2$ van der Waals heterostructure formation is energetically favoured. In order to probe its battery electrode applications capability, Li, Na and K intercalants were introduced between the layers of the heterostructure. Li and K were found to be good intercalants as they had low diffusion barriers as well as positive open circuit voltage. A comparison to bilayer graphene and bilayer HfS$_2$ indicate that Gr-HfS$_2$ is a favourable battery electrode system.