
There are theroretical models, which allow to calculate (with better or worse result) the lattice energy. Hence, the lattice dissociation enthalpies are always positive and the lattice formation enthalpies are always negative. In the case of NaCl, the build-up or lattice formation enthalpy is -787 kJ mol-1. The science, which deals with crystals properties is crystallography. When talking about lattice formation, the energy released when a lattice is created from its scattered gaseous state- is forming up. due to the difference in lattice parameter between crystal and substrate. We can write the energy of such a system asĮ=N_AM \frac$ structure has a much larger Madelung constant than the NaCl one, enough to overcome the charge differences, and thus it has a higher lattice energy. solubility, volatility, melting temperature (the higher lattice energy, the higher melting temperature), hardness, etc. energy anisotropy on the size of the Pd particles supported on MgO (100).

Detailed investigation of the crystal structure excluded the possibility that the epitaxial films are either cubic spinel MgO or magnesium silicate (a / 2 4.1 Å). Thus our system consists of a set of point charges. Epitaxial thin films prepared using an MgO target on silicon substrate often show constriction of lattice constant (a 4.1 Å). Here we are dealing with the ionic model - everything is totally ionic, there is total charge separation, all binding is electrostatic.

Which has a nice lattice energy calculator that allows you to play with the parameters and see how the lattice energy varies, but I'll try to summarise those the argument below.
