On the size dependence of the melting temperature of nanoparticles

The size dependence of the melting temperature of nanocrystals has been investigated within the thermodynamic approach. A formula is obtained, which, in contrast to the classical Thomson formula, takes into account the metastable character of equilibrium between the crystal core and melt shell. Comparative investigation of the size dependence of the melting temperature, disregarding and taking into account the size dependences of the surface tension of the solid and liquid phases and the interface tension, has been performed by the example of aluminum, tin, and copper nanoparticles.