How Do Thermodynamic Properties Change at the Nanoscale?
At the nanoscale, the thermodynamic properties of materials can differ significantly from their bulk counterparts. Key differences include: - Enhanced Surface Energy: Nanoparticles have a large fraction of their atoms on the surface, leading to higher surface energy and altered thermodynamic stability. - Size-Dependent Phase Transitions: Nanoscale materials may exhibit phase transitions at different temperatures and pressures compared to bulk materials due to the influence of surface and interface energies. - Quantum Effects: Quantum confinement in nanoparticles can result in discrete energy levels, affecting properties like heat capacity and entropy.
