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The solid state phase transition of gallium particles and its size dependence
Xiao Meng Chen1, Guang Tao Fei, Kang Zheng
1Key Laboratory of Materials Physics and Anhui Key Laboratory of Nanomaterials and Nanotechnology, Institute of Solid State Physics, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, PO Box 1129, Hefei 230031, People's Republic of China.
Gallium (Ga) nanoparticles in PMMA undergo a solid-state phase transition upon cooling. This transition is more prevalent in smaller Ga nanoparticles, indicating size-dependent behavior.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Solid-State Physics
Background:
- Gallium (Ga) exhibits complex phase behavior, including multiple solid phases.
- Understanding phase transitions in nanoparticles is crucial for designing advanced materials.
- Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) is a common polymer matrix for nanoparticle dispersion.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the solid-state phase transition of submicrometer-sized Ga particles within a PMMA matrix.
- To determine the dependence of this phase transition on Ga particle size.
- To analyze the cooling-induced phase transformation in Ga nanoparticles.
Main Methods:
- Dispersion of submicrometer-sized Ga particles in PMMA using ultrasonic vibration and sedimentation.
- Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) measurements to study solid-solid phase transitions.
- Analysis of Ga particle size effects on phase transition behavior.
Main Results:
- A solid-solid phase transition from γ-Ga to δ-Ga was observed in Ga particles upon cooling.
- The occurrence of this phase transition is dependent on the size of the Ga particles.
- A higher proportion of smaller Ga particles exhibited the solid phase transition.
Conclusions:
- Submicrometer Ga particles undergo a γ-Ga to δ-Ga solid-state phase transition during cooling within a PMMA matrix.
- The propensity for this phase transition increases as Ga particle size decreases.
- Particle size is a critical factor influencing the solid-phase transformation in gallium nanoparticles.
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