Sintering and deposition of nanoparticles on surface of metals: A molecular dynamics approach

The molecular dynamics simulation technique is used to study the coalescence of two identical nanoparticles of Au, Ag and Cu. The mechanism of deposition of nanoparticles is studied in the temperature range of 400–800 K. Spreading index, coalescence index and pair-correlation distribution functions are calculated to analyze the coalescence and surface deposition process. The nanoparticles with the same species of sphere and substrate (homo case) can be collapsed and deposited well on the substrate as compared to nanoparticles with different species of sphere and substrate (hetero case). It is observed that in both cases (homo and hetero) sintering and deposition occurred at considerable low temperatures than melting temperature. The degree of coalescence and deposition are found strongly temperature dependent on high temperature. The deposition rate is higher at high temperature.

► The nanoparticles can be collapsed and deposited well in homo case as compared to hetero case. ► Sintering and deposition occurred at considerable below than melting temperature for both cases. ► The degree of coalescence and deposition are found strongly temperature dependent on high temperature.