Quantum concentration for the liquid phase of elements

Abstract

The novel concept of quantum concentration for the liquid phase of elements was introduced which indicates the number of possible states of atoms per unit volume. A simplified thermodynamic energy model for a solid–liquid phase transition is used to define the quantum concentration for the liquids. Values of quantum concentration for liquid phase of most of elements were calculated and analyzed. It was revealed that the metalloids such as boron, silicon, germanium, antimony, tellurium and bismuth exhibited a highest value of quantum concentrations compared with other elements. Several physical and chemical properties of substances (such as melting temperature and free energy) can be calculated using these data. The size dependence of melting temperatures of Au, Pb and Sn spherically symmetric nanoparticles were calculated and compared well with experimental data and theoretical model based on generalized Gibbs–Thomson predictions.