THE ELASTIC INTERACTIONS BETWEEN THE INTERCALANTS IN LAYERED INTERCALATION COMPOUNDS

Using continuum elasticity theory, we obtain the general expression fo r the host layer deformation of the layered intercalation compounds. I n our model, an isolated intercalant is treated as a pair of equal del ta-function-like forces acting in opposition direction, the magnitude of which is normalized to keep the bounding layer deformation at the i ntercalant site fixed to that of the intercalate sandwich in saturated intercalation compounds. We also calculate the intralayer and the int erlayer interaction between the intercalants in intercalation compound s; our result shows an attractive intralayer interaction and an overal l repulsive interlayer interaction. Between the two intercalants locat ed in the adjacent galleries, the interlayer interaction sometimes bec omes attractive depending on their lateral separation. Copyright (C) 1 996 Elsevier Science Ltd