Temperature and size dependent surface energy of metallic nano-materials

In this study, we report a theoretical model for the temperature and size dependent surface energy of metallic nanomaterials. The model is verified by making a comparison with the available simulation and experimental data. Reasonable agreement has been observed between these results. This study reveals that the decrease of surface energy at high temperatures is caused by cohesive energy weakening and bond expansion. With the same nanomaterial size, the sequence of size effects on the surface energy from weak to strong is thin films, nanowires, and nanoparticles. In particular, this work can provide a theoretical basis for the prediction of size dependent surface energy of metallic nanomaterials at different temperatures, which can help in the understanding of the mechanical and thermodynamic properties of metal surfaces.