Publication
Title
The ionic model : extension to spatial charge-distributions, derivation of an interaction potential for silica polymorphs
Author
Abstract
An interatomic interaction potential for silica polymorphs is derived based on the SCD model (cfr. Tijskens et al. 1994). This interaction potential incorporates all classical electrostatic interactions arising from the spherical part of the spatial extent of the atoms including many body interactions. The potential is derived from Hartree-Fock energies and electron densities for a set 72 [SiO4](4-)- and [Si2O7](6-) -clusters with variable configuration. The long range impact of the surroundings on these clusters in the infinite system has been successfully mimicked by embedding the clusters in a finite three-dimensional array of point charges. This three-dimensional array of point charges is optimized as to reproduce the average site potential and its gradient occurring in II-IV-coordinated silica polymorphs at the central atoms of the clusters. The resulting interaction potential consists of two functions of the configurational coordinates, R, describing spherical ''atomic'' electron densities, sigma(A)(x, R) for A = Si, O. All classical electrostatic interactions are derived from these densities. A Born-Mayer type correction term Delta E(qm)(R) models the quantum mechanical interactions and the electrostatic interactions arising from the non-spherosymmetrical component of the electron density. The new interaction potential model shows a slightly improved reproduction of the potential surface with respect to the classical Born-Mayer ionic model and demonstrates the importance of many body interactions as charge transfer and expansion/contraction of the atomic electron densities in these systems. Also the dependence of the quantum mechanical correction term Delta E(qm)(R) on the Si-O-Si-bond angle proves covalent effects to be larger than suggested by the classical Born-Mayer ionic model thereby clarifying the controversy in literature on the importance of covalent effects in silica polymorphs and polymerised silicates in general.
Language
English
Source (journal)
Physics and chemistry of minerals. - Berlin
Publication
Berlin : 1995
ISSN
0342-1791
Volume/pages
22 :3 (1995) , p. 186-199
ISI
A1995QW82900007
UAntwerpen
Faculty/Department
Publication type
Subject
External links
Web of Science
Record
Identifier
Creation 24.02.2014
Last edited 25.02.2023
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