Modeling of the Atomic Diffusion Coefficient in Nanostructured Materials

A formula has been established, which is based on the size-dependence of a metal's melting point, to elucidate the atomic diffusion coefficient of nanostructured materials by considering the role of grain-boundary energy. When grain size is decreased, a decrease in the atomic diffusion activation energy and an increase in the corresponding diffusion coefficient can be observed. Interestingly, variations in the atomic diffusion activation energy of nanostructured materials are small relative to nanoparticles, depending on the size of the grain boundary energy. Our theoretical prediction is in accord with the computer simulation and experimental results of the metals described.

Interface effect on the cohesive energy of nanostructured materials and substrate-supported nanofilms

The cohesive energy is a key quantity to determine the mechanical, physical, chemical, and electronic properties of materials.