Gallium Nanoparticle 1 (IMAGE)

Duke University

Gallium Nanoparticle 1

Caption

This image shows a single gallium nanoparticle sitting on top of a sapphire base. The black sphere in the center reveals the presence of solid gallium within the liquid drop exterior. The sapphire base is important, as it is rigid with a relatively high surface energy. As the nanoparticle and sapphire try to minimize their total energy, this combination of properties drives the formation and coexistence of the two phases.

Credit

April Brown, Duke University

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