Density functional theory simulations were performed
to investigate
the structural, electronic, and electrochemical properties of the
two-dimensional α-SiX (X = N, P) monolayers as anode material
in Li-ion batteries (LIBs). Our result indicates that α-SiX
monolayers have excellent mechanical, dynamical, and thermal stability.
The obtained adsorption energy values suggest that the Li atom adsorption
over α-SiX is a favorable process. According to the Löwdin
charge transfer and partial density of states analysis, charge transfer
takes place from Li atom to α-SiX monolayers. From the band
structure plots, we observed that after the adsorption of a single
Li atom, the α-SiX monolayers are converted into a metallic
state from the semiconductor state and remain in the metallic state
for the different adsorption concentrations of Li atoms, which is
essential to facilitate the diffusion of stored electrons. The calculated
specific storage capacity is 956.16 and 733.66 mA h g–1 for α-SiN and α-SiP monolayers, respectively, which
is remarkably higher than that of the conventional anode materials
(such as graphite and TiO2). Ab initio molecular dynamics
simulations confirm the room-temperature stability of the α-SiX
monolayers at the maximum loading of Li atoms. The lower diffusion
energy barriers of 0.30 eV (for α-SiN monolayers) and 0.16 eV
(for α-SiP monolayers) ensure good diffusivity of ions over
monolayers. The calculated open-circuit voltage is also favorable
for battery applications. The aforementioned findings suggest that
the α-SiX monolayers could be beneficial and compelling host
anode material for high-performance LIBs.