Electron Localization in Solid‐State Structures of the Elements: the Diamond Structure

Abstract

To determine solid-state structures, the electron localization function (ELF) must be interpreted somewhat differently than for molecules. The example of the diamond structures of C (right, top), Si, Ge, and α- and β-Sn (right, bottom) show clearly that ELF depicts the electronic changes in regional space as the covalent bond gives way to metallic bonding.