Recent Developments in the Methods and Applications of the Bond Valence Model

Some of the latest developments in the methods and applications of the bond valence model are discussed. Some of the terms that play a key role in the model, include bonding strength, cation, classical valence, conduction path, and coordination number. Four heuristic principles that are essential for the development of methods and application of the model, include principle of maximum symmetry, electroneutality principle, principle of local charge neutrality, and equal valence principle. A number of significant heuristic principles also form the basis of the theorems of the bond valence model. They describe properties of the minimum energy solution of the ionic model when it is developed using two-body potentials. The principle of maximum symmetry has emerged as the most important principles for the development of methods and the application of the bond valence model.