To assess anisotropy in the layered Sc2C, we computationally predicted the work function using the thin slab method . We found that Sc2C has a work function of 3.78 eV for the (0001) plane (Figure ) and 2.89 eV for the (112 � 0) plane (Figure ), which are comparable to the Y2C values of 3.72 eV and 2.84 eV at (0001) and (112 � 0), respectively . The change in work function in different directions shows the anisotropic nature of Sc2C. The similar work functions of Sc2C and Y2C support their similarity, but Sc2C has a slightly larger work function, consistent with greater electronegativity of scandium. Nevertheless, Sc2C is still a good reducing agent. To explore anisotropy in a different way, we calculated the interlayer and intralayer stiffness tensors of Sc2C to be 136.7 GPa and 286.8 GPa. Compared to Y2C, these values indicate a greater degree of anisotropy because the intralayer stiffness tensor of Sc2C is 110% greater than its interlayer counterpart, whereas the intralayer tensor of Y2C is only 44% larger (Table ).