Molecular dynamics investigation of gold nanoparticle coalescence under realistic gas-phase synthesis conditions
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Date
2024-06
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Journal Article
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Abstract
Dependence of nanoparticle (NP) coalescence on various physical parameters (e.g., temperature, number of NPs, NP size, orientation, crystallinity, shape, or composition, etc.) is a very active field of investigation. However, most computational studies on NP coalescence to date are performed in vacuum, with only a handful of studies taking gas pressure into account and even fewer doing a systematic analysis. This is due to two reasons: first, many computational studies complement inert-gas condensation experiments, which typically happen at high vacuum. Second, a simulation set-up in vacuum is simpler and computationally less costly. Here we utilised classical molecular dynamics for a rigorous investigation of the effect (or lack of) of gas pressure, as well as of other parameters (namely temperature, angular momenta, and inert-gas species), on the early stages of coalescence between two metallic NPs. Our approach is relevant for both inert-gas condensation in high vacuum and aerosol synthesis in standard atmospheric conditions. Multiple linear regression analysis confirmed temperature as the key factor determining the degree of coalescence; relative angular momenta direction was revealed as yet another important contributor, whereas the effect of pressure was deemed insignificant for early coalescence stages. To shed light onto the sintering process we elaborate on interesting atomistic mechanisms. We aspire that our study may indicate potential strategies for both gas-phase synthesis methods.
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published
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Volume
179
Pages / Article No.
106356
Publisher
Elsevier
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Subject
Nanoparticle coalescence; Gas-phase synthesis; Flame aerosol synthesis; Inert-gas condensation; Molecular dynamics
Organisational unit
02130 - Dep. Maschinenbau und Verfahrenstechnik / Dep. of Mechanical and Process Eng.