The effect of pressure on the physics and chemistry of potassium

The equation of state and electronic structure of body-centered cubic potassium are investigated theoretically by the quantum-mechanical SAPW method. The results predict a series of pressure-induced electronic phase changes brought about by the sequential filling of initially unoccupied d-like electronic states. In addition to the discontinuous density changes that accompany these phase transitions, the presence of the d-like bands makes potassium extremely compressible. At pressures as low as 500 kb (0°K), the ionic radius of potassium becomes compatible with that of iron and its electronic structure becomes like that of a typical transition metal. These properties should greatly enhance the miscibility of potassium in iron or iron-sulfide melts.

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