Variation in interface strength of Silicon with surface engineered Ti3C2 MXenes

TL;DR

This study uses first-principles calculations to analyze how different surface functional groups on Ti3C2 MXenes affect the interface strength with silicon, informing the design of better electrode materials for batteries.

Contribution

It provides a detailed computational analysis of how surface functionalization of Ti3C2 MXenes influences interface strength with silicon, guiding targeted surface engineering for electrodes.

Findings

Hydroxylated Ti3C2 has the highest interface strength with silicon.

Interface strength decreases with increased surface -O and -F groups.

Charge redistribution analysis explains physico-chemical factors affecting interface strength.

Abstract

Current advancements in battery technologies require electrodes to combine high-performance active material such as Silicon (Si) with two-dimensional materials such as transition metal carbides (MXenes) for prolonged cycle stability and enhanced electrochemical performance. More so, it is the interface between these materials, which is the nexus for their applicatory success. Herein, the interface strength variations between amorphous Si and Ti3C2Tx MXene are determined as the MXene surface functional groups (Tx) are changed using first principle calculations. Si is interfaced with three Ti3C2 MXene substrates having surface -OH, -OH and -O mixed, and -F functional groups. Density functional theory (DFT) results reveal that completely hydroxylated Ti3C2 has the highest interface strength of 0.6 J/m2 with amorphous Si. This interface strength value drops as the proportion of surface -O and -F groups increases. Additional analysis of electron redistribution and charge separation across the interface is provided for a complete understanding of underlying physico-chemical factors affecting the surface chemistry and resultant interface strength values. The presented comprehensive analysis of the interface aims to develop sophisticated MXene based electrodes by their targeted surface engineering.