Research on the Correlation Between the Lattice Enthalpy of Ionic Compounds and Melting Points

Abstract

Ionic compounds own different crystal structures from molecular compounds due to the electrostatic force, generating affinities between cations and anions. The lattice energies are made strong and require large energy to break the solids. This paper is used to illustrate the influence of different factors on lattice enthalpy, and correlations between lattice enthalpy and melting points, Regarding carbon fibers as templates, trying to find out if there were theoretically possibilities to utilize ionic crystals more in industrial engineering. Several graphs are made based on the database. Research shows that ion charges are direct proportional to the strength of lattice energy; while ionic radius own inverse relationships. However, unexpected results have been found toward melting points, claiming no obvious effect is made by lattice energies. The reason might contribute to the ideal assumption in terms of lattice enthalpy, assuming they were all in perfect form.