The random phase approximation applied to ice

M. Macher, J. Klimes, C. Franchini, G. Kresse

Publications: Contribution to journalArticlePeer Reviewed

Abstract

Standard density functionals without van der Waals interactions yield an unsatisfactory description of ice phases, specifically, high density phases occurring under pressure are too unstable compared to the common low density phase I h observed at ambient conditions. Although the description is improved by using functionals that include van der Waals interactions, the errors in relative volumes remain sizable. Here we assess the random phase approximation (RPA) for the correlation energy and compare our results to experimental data as well as diffusion Monte Carlo data for ice. The RPA yields a very balanced description for all considered phases, approaching the accuracy of diffusion Monte Carlo in relative energies and volumes. This opens a route towards a concise description of molecular water phases on surfaces and in cavities.
Original languageEnglish
Article number084502
Number of pages10
JournalJournal of Chemical Physics
Volume140
Issue number8
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 28 Feb 2014

Austrian Fields of Science 2012

  • 103009 Solid state physics
  • 103015 Condensed matter
  • 103025 Quantum mechanics
  • 103036 Theoretical physics

Keywords

  • DENSITY-FUNCTIONAL THEORY
  • 1ST PRINCIPLES SIMULATIONS
  • MOLECULAR-DYNAMICS SIMULATION
  • POWDER NEUTRON-DIFFRACTION
  • AUGMENTED-WAVE METHOD
  • LIQUID WATER
  • AB-INITIO
  • HIGH-PRESSURE
  • CRYSTAL-STRUCTURE
  • LOW-TEMPERATURE

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