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First-principles calculations of metal surfaces. I. Slab-consistent bulk reference for convergent surface properties

Journal Article · · Physical Review B

The first-principles computation of the surfaces of metals is typically accomplished through slab calculations of finite thickness. The extraction of a convergent surface formation energy from slab calculations is dependent upon defining an appropriate bulk reference energy. I describe a method for an independently computed, slab-consistent bulk reference that leads to convergent surface formation energies from slab calculations that also provides realistic uncertainties for the magnitude of unavoidable nonlinear divergence in the surface formation energy with slab thickness. In conclusion, the accuracy is demonstrated on relaxed, unreconstructed low-index aluminum surfaces with slabs with up to 35 layers.

Research Organization:
Sandia National Laboratories (SNL-NM), Albuquerque, NM (United States)
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA)
Grant/Contract Number:
AC04-94AL85000; NA0003525
OSTI ID:
1787530
Report Number(s):
SAND--2021-6394J; {"Journal ID: ISSN 2469-9950",696504}
Journal Information:
Physical Review B, Journal Name: Physical Review B Journal Issue: 19 Vol. 103; ISSN 2469-9950
Publisher:
American Physical Society (APS)Copyright Statement
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English