Linh N.N., Hoang V.V., Zung H.
Institute of Technology, National Univ. of HochiMinh City., VN
Keywords: amorphous alumino-silicate nanoparticles, computer simulations
Structural properties of amorphous Al2O3.2SiO2 (AS2) spherical nanoparticles have been studied in a model with different sizes of 2nm, 3nm, 4nm and 5nm under periodic boundary conditions with the Born-Mayer type pair potentials [1,2] via molecular dynamics (MD) simulation. Structural properties have been analyzed in detail through the partial radial distribution functions (PRDF), coordination number distribution, bond-angle distributions and interatomic distances. Moreover, the radial density profiles in nanoparticles were also obtained. Calculations show that size effects on structure of a model are significant and calculated data differ from those obtained previously in the bulk one. We find that as the size larger than 3nm, amorphous AS2 nanoparticle has a distorted tetrahedral network structure with the mean coordination number and . The existence of triclusters in nanoparticles and size dependence of tricluster composition have been found and discussed. Furthermore, surface structure and surface energy of nanoparticles have been obtained and presented.
Journal: TechConnect Briefs
Volume: 4, Technical Proceedings of the 2007 NSTI Nanotechnology Conference and Trade Show, Volume 4
Published: May 20, 2007
Pages: 324 - 327
Industry sector: Advanced Materials & Manufacturing
Topic: Nanoparticle Synthesis & Applications
ISBN: 1-4200-6376-6