Theoretical approach of nanostructuration effects on surface energies

The wettability control of the nanostructured surfaces requires the knowledge of the surface energy. In this work, van der Waals potential has been used to theoretically predict the surface energy of nanoparticles or nanostructured surfaces. The model predicts that, for length scales below 30 nm, a single sphere exhibits an over-energetic term while spheres arranged in a close-packed manner highlight a complex competition between the porosity and the intrinsic low-radius effect. All nanostructuration effects vanish for greater sizes. Above 30 nm, the surface energy tends to reach its classical value.