Exploring the Surface Energy of Micro and Nanowires: Insights into Thermodynamic and Theoretical Models

Introduction

Understanding Surface Energy in Micro and Nanowires

Surface energy is a crucial thermodynamic property that influences the formation, growth, and stability of materials at the nanoscale. The study analyzes how the Tolman lengtha parameter describing the thickness of the interfacial layeraffects surface tension in micro- and nanowires.

Key findings include:

  • Size dependence of surface tension: As the size of condensed phases decreases, the proportion of surface atoms rises, increasing the effect of interfacial boundaries.
  • Theoretical modeling: The Gibbs–TolmanKoenig–Buff equation and Van der Waals theories effectively describe surface energy variations based on nanowire radius.
  • Anisotropy energy influence: The inclusion of anisotropy energy (modeled through the Rapini potential) explains how electric and magnetic interactions affect surface formation.

Modeling and Theoretical Approaches

The research integrates linear and nonlinear Van der Waals theories to explain how molecular interactions shape the surface behavior of nanostructures. Nonlinear models demonstrate complex energy relationships that cannot be simplified using traditional perturbation methods.

The study also relates its findings to the Cahn Hilliard theory, establishing theoretical consistency in explaining phase transitions and nucleation energy within cylindrical nanostructures.

Technological Implications

The insights from this work are valuable for:

  • Nanowire fabrication: Improving control over nucleation processes for electronic and biomedical applications.
  • Surface engineering: Enhancing stability and energy efficiency of materials at the micro- and nanoscale.
  • Electrochemical processes: Optimizing coatings, sensors, and catalysts through improved understanding of interfacial thermodynamics.

Conclusion

The study concludes that surface energy is not a fixed property but varies dynamically with particle size, curvature, and anisotropy energy. This understanding challenges classical nucleation theories and opens new possibilities for designing nanoscale systems with tailored properties.

By linking theoretical models with real-world fabrication techniques, Baranov’s research provides a significant contribution to micro- and nanotechnology development and the thermodynamic understanding of capillary phenomena.

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