The enhanced Cu/MXene heterointerfaces coupled with silver facilitate the integration of high conductivity functionality and strong mechanical properties

Abstract

Interface issues have consistently impeded efforts to balance a trade-off between the conductivity functionality and mechanical properties of Cu-matrix composites. Combining first-principles simulations, this study addresses this challenge by preparing a new Cu-matrix composite reinforced with MXene, Cu/Ag@MXene composite block (CuAM-CB), which improves the compatibility between metallic Cu and nonmetallic MXene facilitated by Ag modification anchored in situ onto MXene nanosheets, thus realizing element-coupled reinforcement of Ag at the Cu/MXene heterointerfaces. Benefiting from the strong interaction between Ag and C atoms from in situ self-reduction, as well as the excellent compatibility between Ag and Cu atoms (both IB group metals), Ag atoms act as a mediator for the electron transport and mechanical connection at the Cu/MXene heterointerfaces, enabling CuAM-CB to achieve integrated high conductivity functionality (up to 95 % IACS) and strong mechanical properties (with a strength-plasticity product of ∼18 GPa %).