Alkali metal intercalation in MXene/Graphene heterostructures: a new platform for ion battery applications
Date
2019Source Title
Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters
Print ISSN
1948-7185
Publisher
American Chemical Society
Volume
10
Issue
4
Pages
727 - 734
Language
English
Type
ArticleItem Usage Stats
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Abstract
The adsorption and diffusion of Na, K, and Ca atoms on MXene/graphene heterostructures of MXene systems Sc2C(OH)2, Ti2CO2, and V2CO2 are systematically investigated by using first-principles methods. We found that alkali metal intercalation is energetically favorable and thermally stable for Ti2CO2/graphene and V2CO2/graphene heterostructures but not for Sc2C(OH)2. Diffusion kinetics calculations showed the advantage of MXene/graphene heterostructures over sole MXene systems as the energy barriers are halved for the considered alkali metals. Low energy barriers are found for Na and K ions, which are promising for fast charge/discharge rates. Calculated voltage profiles reveal that estimated high capacities can be fully achieved for Na ion in V2CO2/graphene and Ti2CO2/graphene heterostructures. Our results indicate that Ti2CO2/graphene and V2CO2/graphene electrode materials are very promising for Na ion battery applications. The former could be exploited for low voltage applications while the latter will be more appropriate for higher voltages.