Correlation between the size-dependent melting and crystallization temperatures of metal nanoparticles

The correlation between the melting and crystallization temperatures of metal nanoparticles is investigated by means of the thermodynamic approach. Size-dependent variations in the melting temperature of aluminum, tin, and copper nanoparticles are calculated with allowance for the corresponding size dependences of surface tensions in solid and liquid phases and interfacial tension. Size-dependent variations in crystallization temperature are determined under the assumption that a certain effective surface layer (skin-layer) arises before melting.