Potential models for ionic oxides

The authors present a systematic approach to the derivation of empirical potential parameters for binary oxides; they also consider their modification for use in mixed oxide systems. Shell-model potentials are used but, unlike the case of the alkali halides within which polarisability and short-range interaction parameters can be transferred, modifications must be introduced when transferring potential parameters between different oxides. The anion polarisability varies with structure and with the nature of the host cation, and changes in cation coordination are reflected in the short-range repulsive cation-anion interaction. Parameters are derived for a range of oxides, and trends in these parameters are discussed. They discuss successful applications of the potentials to the calculation of perfect lattice properties. Equal success is enjoyed when defect and surface properties are considered; in particular the models correctly predict the activation energies for dopant diffusion in NiO, and to a large extent model the surface rumpling of MgO.