Cracking can have several detrimental effects on nanomaterials:
1. Reduced Mechanical Strength: Cracks can significantly reduce the mechanical strength and durability of nanomaterials. 2. Electrical Properties: For nanowires and other nanostructures used in electronics, cracking can disrupt electrical conductivity and performance. 3. Chemical Stability: Cracks can expose more surface area to the environment, making the material more susceptible to oxidation or other chemical reactions. 4. Optical Properties: In nanophotonics, cracks can affect the light propagation and optical properties of the material.