Atomic bonding and binding energy of two-dimensional Bi/Li(110) heterojunctions via BOLS and BB model

TL;DR

This study combines theoretical models and DFT calculations to analyze atomic bonding, structure, and charge transfer in Bi atoms adsorbed on Li(110), revealing diverse 2D structures and electronic properties relevant for interface engineering.

Contribution

The paper introduces a combined BOLS, BB, and DFT approach to characterize atomic bonding and electronic behavior of Bi/Li(110) heterojunctions, providing new insights into 2D metallic interface properties.

Findings

Bi atoms form various 2D structures on Li(110) surface.

Charge transfer occurs from Li to Bi layers.

Quantitative energy levels for different Bi structures are identified.

Abstract

Combining the bond-order-length-strength (BOLS) and bonding and binding energy (BB) models with density functional theory (DFT) calculations, we studied the atomic bonding and binding energy behavior of Bi atoms adsorbed on the Li(110) surface. We found that the Bi atoms adsorbed on the Li(110) surface form two-dimensional (2D) geometric structures, including letter-, hexagon-, galaxy-, crown-, field-, and cobweb-shaped structures. Thus, we obtained the following quantitative information: (i) the field-shaped structure can be considered the bulk structure; (ii) the field-shaped structure of Bi atom formation has a 5d energy level of 22.727 eV, and in the letter shape structure, this energy is shifted to values greater than 0.342 eV;and (iii) the Bi/Li(110) heterojunction transfers charge from the inner Li atomic layer to the outermost Bi atomic layer. In addition, we analyzed the bonding and electronic dynamics involved in the formation of the Bi/Li(110) heterojunctions using zone-selective electron spectroscopy technology. This work provides a theoretical reference for the fine tuning of binding energies and chemical bonding at the interfaces of 2D metallic materials.