Numerical simulation of the structure and mechanical properties of silicene layers on graphite during the lithium ion motion

The molecular dynamics method is applied to study structural and mechanical effects appearing during the lithium ion motion in a dc electric field along a planar channel formed by perfect silicene sheets and sheets containing vacancy-type defects. Mono-, di-, tri-, and hexavacancies of rather densely and uniformly filled silicene sheets are arranged one above the other on a graphite substrate. The times of Li$^+$ ion passage through silicene channels with various gaps are determined. The construction of Voronoi polyhedra and truncated polyhedrons, whose centers coincide with the moving ion position allowed revealing the structural features inherent to the two-dimensional layered structure. The nature of stresses appearing in silicene sheets most critical to ion motion over the channel is determined.