Time-resolved electron microscopy studies of the structure of nanoparticles and their melting

Abstract

We review our quantitative results related to the physical properties of metallic nanoparticles that were obtained by time-resolved electron microscopy. These studies include the solid–liquid transition and structural instabilities. Surface melting has been demonstrated, quantitatively measured and analysed within the frainework of a phenomenological model. The nature of the liauid layer is discussed. Quantitative studies of the structural instabilities indicate a spontaneous appearance of twin defects inside the nanoparticles and their spontaneous disappearance. It has been found that this process is thermally activated.