The effect of electronic Coulomb interaction on the phase formation of fcc Ce lattice is investigated by full ab initio calculations without adjustable Coulomb $U$ and $J$ parameters using the Gutzwiller wavefunction-based correlation matrix renormalization theory (CMRT). Its total energy and pressure as a function of volume agree reasonably well with existing $\text{DFT}+\text{Gutzwiller}$ calculations and experiments, indicating correct capture of electronic correlation and screening effects within the CMRT formalism. A stable phase is found in line with the experimental $\alpha$-Ce phase, and a lurking phase is identified supposedly linked with the experimental $\gamma$-Ce phase. A criterion based on the local $4f$ electron charge fluctuation is introduced to confirm the distinct electronic correlation natures of both phases.

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• First-principles calculations
• Lanthanides
• Strongly correlated systems