Why are Interfaces and Grain Boundaries Important in Nanotechnology?
In nanotechnology, the properties of materials can change dramatically when particle sizes are reduced to the nanoscale. Interfaces and grain boundaries can impact mechanical, electrical, thermal, and optical properties of nanomaterials. For instance, grain boundaries can act as barriers to dislocation movement, thereby strengthening the material—a phenomenon known as grain boundary strengthening. Similarly, interfaces can influence electron and phonon transport, impacting the material's electrical and thermal conductivity.
