Size-Dependent Structure Transformation From Amorphous Phase To Crystal

A size-dependent crystal growth mechanism is studied by molecular dynamics simulations. The amorphous silver firstly deposits under the coordinated actions between the lattice mismatch and interactions between silver atoms and the surrounding water. Then, silver nuclei spontaneously form once the amorphous layer exceeds a critical thickness. Water molecule absorption on the outmost surface of silver clusters contributes to the continuous deposition of silver amorphous phase. (C) 2008 American Institute of Physics.