Abstract
The noble metals (copper, silver and gold) crystallise in the face-centred cubic (f.c.c.) structure but attempts to calculate their cohesive energy1 and stacking fault energies2 predict that the stable structure is the hexagonal close packed (h.c.p.). By considering a collinear three-ion interaction I have identified a source of energy, of the correct sign and order of magnitude, that explains the stability of the observed structure. Its success is largely due to a distinctive difference in number and spatial disposition of close-packed lines of atoms in the two structures. The principal parameters of the calculation are the scattering phase shifts of the ions and it is therefore highly probable that three-ion interactions also play a significant part in the stability of the transition metals.
This is a preview of subscription content, access via your institution
Access options
Subscribe to this journal
Receive 51 print issues and online access
$199.00 per year
only $3.90 per issue
Buy this article
- Purchase on Springer Link
- Instant access to full article PDF
Prices may be subject to local taxes which are calculated during checkout
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Moriarty, J. A. Phys. Rev. B 6, 1239–52 (1972).
Blandin, A., Friedel, J. & Saada, G. J. Phys. Coll. 27, C3-128–36 (1966).
Krause, C. W. Phys. Lett. 57 A, 390–2 (1976).
Harrison, W. A. Phys. Rev. B 7, 2408–15 (1973).
Lloyd, P. & Oglesby, J. J. Phys. F: Metal Phys. 3, 1683–7 (1973).
Nowak, D. & Lee, M. J. G. Phys. Rev. B 5, 2851–6 (1972).
Coleridge, P. T., Holzwarth, N. A. W. & Lee, M. J. G. Phys. Rev. B 10, 1213–29 (1974).
Gallagher, P. C. J. Metall. Trans. 1, 2429–61 (1970).
Cousins, C. S. G. J. Phys. F: Metal Phys. (in the press).
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Cousins, C. Why noble metals favour the face-centred cubic structure. Nature 283, 751–752 (1980). https://doi.org/10.1038/283751a0
Received:
Accepted:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/283751a0
Comments
By submitting a comment you agree to abide by our Terms and Community Guidelines. If you find something abusive or that does not comply with our terms or guidelines please flag it as inappropriate.
