First-principles modeling of interfaces between solids with large lattice mismatch: The prototypical CoO(111)/Ni(111) interface

In this work we investigate the CoO(111)/Ni(111) interface by first-principles calculations, focusing on its structure and stability. To satisfy the approximate 5:6 ratio of the CoO and Ni lattice constants, we construct a supercell with 5 x 5 Co (O) and 6 x 6 Ni atoms per layer in the bulk regions. For the interface Ni layer and the adjacent Ni layer we consider different configurations and study the binding energy. We show for an ideal CoO interface terminated by 5 x 5 O atoms that the structure is more stable if there are 5 x 5 Ni atoms next to it instead of 6 x 6 as in the bulk. In addition, we observe that a transition layer with 31 or 33 Ni atoms located between the interface 5 x 5 Ni and bulk 6 x 6 Ni layers (which partially reflects the structures of both these layers) enhances the stability of the CoO/Ni interface. The electronic and magnetic modifications induced by the interface formation are discussed.