Do SiO2 and carbon-doped SiO2 nanoparticles melt? Insights from QM/MD simulations and ramifications regarding carbon nanotube growth

► Melting of pristine and carbon-doped nanoparticle SiO2 investigated using QM/MD. ► Sublimation, not liquefaction, of SiO2 and carbon-doped SiO2 observed. ► Primary chemical product of SiO2 sublimation is SiO. ► Primary chemical product of carbon-doped SiO2 sublimation is SiO and CO. ► Sublimation of SiO2 holds ramifications for models of CNT growth on SiO2 catalysts.