Edge-melting: nanoscale key-mechanism to explain nanoparticle formation from heated TEM grids

- Nanoparticle formation from metal grids explained by edge melting as key mechanism.
- The inconsistency of bulk phenomenology invoking the vapor pressure is discussed.
- Surface-melting and size-dependent evaporation are questioned as unsatisfactory.
- Edge-melting: edges, corners, facets invoked as highly thermally unstable surfaces.
- The polycrystalline nature of the really occurring metal grids is accounted for.