First-principles investigation of Sn9Zn (0 0 0 1)/α-Al2O3 (0 0 0 1) interfacial adhesion

First-principles calculations of the Sn9Zn (0 0 0 1)/α-Al2O3 (0 0 0 1) interface have been performed to systematically investigate the adhesion and interfacial electronic structure as well as bonding characteristics. The interfacial structures considered here with two types of initial condition: Al- and O-terminated interface with Zn atoms in different positions. Sn9Zn physisorption on the former substrate, accompanied by relative minor work of adhesion (−0.576 J/m2), while stronger chemisorption on the latter one. The structure of Zn above O atom is found to be the energetically most favorable configuration with the largest Wad (−1.799 J/m2) and the shortest interlayer distance (1.269 Å). The further studies of vacancy show that the wettability gradually improved as oxygen vacancy counts increase. There is no significant difference when removing two or more oxygen atoms: its value of Wad is −7.151 J/m2 and −7.057 J/m2, respectively. Removing one aluminum atom has been proved to be the most stable structure (Wad = −7.506 J/m2). It can be concluded that the exists of vacancy is significant for the improvement of wettability.