8. Conclusion

The physical properties of nanoparticles differ from those of ordinary matter. For example, the atomic arrangement of small particles is different from that of large crystals. Stability is a function of nanoparticle size. Thus, their melting temperature and phase diagram differ from those of ordinary matter as soon as the size is less than 5 nm. This is important when synthesizing nanoparticles, especially when the desired physicochemical properties are highly dependent on crystallographic structure and composition.

As for electronic properties, the effects of size are felt as soon as the nanoparticle radius reaches 10 nm. Quantum effects then become predominant. In particular, this has an impact on the electrical and optical properties of nanoparticles. Electrical properties are important for understanding the mechanisms involved in applications such as molecular...