Effects of size and shape on the specific heat, melting entropy and enthalpy of nanomaterials

Abstract

A simple theory is proposed to study the size- and shape-dependent specific heat, melting entropy and enthalpy of nanomaterials. The particle size and shape are demonstrated to affect the specific heat, melting entropy and enthalpy of nanomaterials. The model is applied to Ag, Cu, In, Se, Au and Al nanomaterials in spherical, nanowire and nanofilms shapes. The specific heat is observed to increase with the decrease in particle size, whereas the melting entropy and enthalpy decrease as the particle size decreases. Our theoretical predictions agree well with available experimental and computer simulation results, thereby supporting the validity of formulation developed. Keywords: Nanomaterials, Specific heat, Melting entropy, Surface properties, Thermodynamic properties