The Electronic and the Ionic Contribution to the Free Energy of Alkali Metals in Intercalation Compounds

The process of intercalation is thermodynamically analyzed. It is shown that an ionic and an electronic component of the intercalation free energy can be distinguished. A prediction of the electronic contribution is possible if the electronic band structure of the host material in the energy range above the Fermi energy is known. An experimental way for measuring the electronic contribution is suggested.