Formation of structural modifications in copper nanoclusters

The melting and crystallization of copper nanoclusters are investigated using the molecular dynamics simulation with tight-binding potentials. The formation of a cluster structure depends on the conditions used for cooling from the liquid phase. Slow cooling results predominantly in the formation of a face-centered cubic structure, whereas rapid cooling in the majority of cases leads to the formation of an icosahedral structure. Therefore, the simulation performed has demonstrated the possibility of controlling the formation of a structure of copper nanoclusters during crystallization.