Studies on Thermodynamic Properties of Nanoclusters With Thin-Film Nanocalorimetry

Abstract

We have measured the energy released in the coalescence process. Smaller clusters were formed in the open areas between pre-existed larger clusters. Coalescence was thermal activated in a first heating cycle, and the heat capacities of the sample were measured during the multiple heating cycles. Two contributions, from the latent heat of fusion and the surface energy, make up the total amount of coalescence energy. For the first time, we have demonstrated that the latent heat of fusion is a driving force for coalescence. In addition, this technique may provide a direct experimental probe to the size-dependence of surface energy.