Local order in the bulk and surface of liquid K-Pb alloy

Ordering in the bulk and surface of liquid K-Pb alloy has been studied throughout the bulk concentration range. At low K concentrations, the liquid alloy is strongly ordered both in the bulk and on the surface. The existence of the zintl structure in the liquid alloy is predicted to be predominant below 0.6 atomic fraction of K. While above this concentration a complex of the form K₃Pb₂ is suggested to be present. PACS  28.52.Fa; 65.70.+y; 61.20.-p; 61.82.Bg