DFT-Based Polarizable Ion Models for Molten Rare-Earth Chlorides: From Lanthanum to Europium.

We developed a systematic polarizable force field for molten trivalent rare-earth chlorides, from lanthanum to europium, based on first-principle calculations. The proposed model was employed to investigate the local structure and physicochemical properties of pure molten salts and their mixtures with sodium chloride. We computed densities, heat capacities, surface tensions, viscosities, and diffusion coefficients and disclosed their evolution along the lanthanide series, filling the gaps for poorly studied elements, such as promethium and europium.