Molecular dynamics simulation and chemical bonding analysis of MgB2C2

The possible superconducting material MgB2C2 is studied by means of the Projector Augmented Plane wave method. The experimental lattice parameters and internal coordinates are reproduced with accuracy by means of a molecular dynamics calculation. A chemical bonding analysis is performed and it is found that the charge transfer from the Mg atoms to the BC network is not complete, meaning that a significant part of covalent bonding is present in this bond. In addition, a crystal orbital overlap population calculation reveals the degree of covalent bonding between atoms. This analysis is of particular importance and helps improve our general understanding of the superconductivity in these type of materials.