Temperature dependence of interlayer spacings and mean vibrational amplitudes at the Al(110) surface

The Mean Inner Potential of Hematite α-Fe2O3 Across the Morin Transition

We measure the mean inner potential (MIP) of hematite, α-Fe2O3, using electron holography and transmission electron microscopy. Since the MIP is sensitive to valence electrons, we propose its use as a chemical bonding parameter for solids. Hematite can test the sensitivity of the MIP as a bonding parameter because of the Morin magnetic phase transition. Across this transition temperature, no change in the corundum crystal structure can be distinguished, while a change in hybridized Fe-3d and O-2p states was reported, affecting ionic bonding. For a given crystallographic phase, the change in the MIP with temperature is expected to be minor due to thermal expansion. Indeed, we measure the temperature dependence in corundum α-Al2O3(112¯0) between 95 and 295 K showing a constant MIP value of ∼16.8 V within the measurement accuracy of 0.45 V. Thus, our objectives are as follows: measure the MIP of hematite as a function of temperature and examine the sensitivity of the MIP as a bonding parameter for crystals. Measured MIPs of α-Fe2O3(112¯0) above the Morin transition are equal, 17.85 ± 0.50 V, 17.93 ± 0.50 V, at 295 K, 230 K, respectively. Below the Morin transition, at 95 K, a significant reduction of ∼1.3 V is measured to 16.56 ± 0.46 V. We show that this reduction follows charge redistribution resulting in increased ionic bonding.

Nano-crystal melting calculation for Al, Cu and Ag considering macro-crystal surface melting

The surface melting of macro-crystals and melting of nano-crystals for Al, Cu and Ag pure components are modeled in comparison with literature data. The relevant temperatures of surface premelting and melting are calculated. The corresponding temperature-dependent equilibrium thickness of the liquid melted layer is obtained as well, which tends to infinity when the temperature is at the bulk melting point. Furthermore, the size-dependent melting behaviors for Al, Cu and Ag are investigated and the corresponding critical size is determined using a home-made code. The melting point depression with particle size is also demonstrated in the present work. As illustrated in the size-dependent phase diagram, the temperatures of both the solidus and liquidus decrease and they merge with the decrease in the radius.