Domain model of stage order and disorder in intercalation compounds

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Abstract
A theoretical model of staging is presented which takes account of the domain structure of intercalation compounds. The model is able to treat stage order and disorder in a unified way. The staging phase transitions in which the stage index of the intercalation compound changes are predicted to proceed via stage-disordered states. If the domains are finite and can be considered to be independent, then the staging transitions are predicted to be continuous. The model is applied to the case of typical donor and acceptor graphite intercalation compounds. Other systems are also discussed. A model-independent scaling rule is proposed relating stage disorder to domain size, stage, temperature, in-plane density, and charge transfer, and a fundamental limit is set on the period of well-staged structures. The relationship between the present model and previous theories of staging is discussed. The implications of recent staging experiments are also considered.