Semi-infinite jellium: thermodynamic potential, chemical potential, surface energy

Abstract

General expression for the thermodynamic potential of the model of semi-infinite jellium is obtained. By using this expression, the surface energy for infinite barrier model is calculated. The behavior of the surface energy and of chemical potential as functions of the Wigner-Seitz radius and the influence of the Coulomb interaction between electrons on the calculated values is studied. It is shown that taking into account the Coulomb interaction between electrons leads to growth of the surface energy. The surface energy is positive in the entire area of the Wigner-Seitz radius. It is shown that taking into account the Coulomb interaction between electrons leads to a decrease of the chemical potential.