Molecular dynamics simulation of the solidification of liquid gold nanowires

The solidification behavior of liquid gold nanowires with about 1.84 nm in diameter has been studied by using molecular dynamics simulation with an embedded atom potential. It is found the cooling rate has great effect on the final structure of the gold nanowires during solidification from liquid. With the decrease of cooling rates, the final structure of the gold nanowires varies from amorphous to crystalline via helical multi-shelled structure. The face-centered cubic structure of the gold nanowires is proven energetically the most stable form.