Tuning the electronic properties of asymmetric YZrCOF MXene for water splitting applications: an ab initio study

Abstract

Identifying and evaluating novel and extremely stable materials for catalysis is one of the major challenges that mankind faces today to rapidly reduce the dependence on fossil fuels. To contribute to achieving this goal, we have evaluated within the density-functional framework the properties of a new two-dimensional MXene structure, the asymmetric MXene YZrCOF monolayer. Phonon dispersion calculations at 0 K and 300 K indicate that the studied material is dynamically stable. The calculations also indicate that the material has a rigid crystal structure with a wide band gap, a strong potential difference, and a band-gap alignment that favors the production of both H₂ and O₂ molecules from water splitting. We also report the outcome of the strain effect on the electrical and photocatalytic characteristics of the studied material. We will demonstrate that even under a large strain, the YZrCOF monolayer is stable and useful for photocatalytic applications.