ABSTRACT

A simple a model without adjustable parameters for size-dependent melting temperature of nanocrystals under ambient pressure is introduced. With reducing size, the model predicts not only melting temperature depression for free-standing nanocrystals but also the melting temperature enhancement for embedded nanocrystals in matrix. The above model can be extended for Curie and glass transitions. Moreover, pressure effect on the above transition temperatures is considered according to the Clapeyron equation. With these models, the bulk and size-dependent phase diagrams are calculated. The model predictions are found to be consistent with the experimental and other theoretical results.