Nonlinear theory of domain walls and the anomalies of intercalation kinetics

A nonlinear theory of domain walls in intercalation compunds is presented. Realistic domain-wall energies and barriers to the relative motion of intercalate domains are calculated for the entire range of guest species intercalating into graphite. The different stackings of host layers found in stage-2 compounds are studied. The dependence of the energetics on stacking and intercalate thickness is both unexpected and complex and should profoundly affect the intercalation kinetics. An explanation is proposed for the anomalous behavior of sodium and some other guest species.