Study on Chemical Reactivity Control of Sodium by Suspended Nanoparticles I

Abstract

A study on the chemical reactivity control of sodium utilizing the atomic interaction of sodium with suspended nanoparticles was carried out. The atomic interaction between nanoparticles and sodium was estimated by theoretical calculations and verified by fundamental physical property measurements. Results showed that the bond between the sodium atom and the nanoparticle atom was significantly stronger than that between sodium atoms, when the transition metals that have large electronegativity are applied as nanoparticles. From the theoretical calculation results, it was suggested that charge transfer occurs from the sodium atom to the nanoparticle atom. The fundamental physical properties of sodium with suspended nanoparticles were examined in comparison with that of sodium to verify the change of the atomic interaction. From the experimental results, it became clear that surface tension increases and evaporation rate decreases. These changes in fundamental physical properties were measured to verify the stability of the atomic interaction under the conditions of a wide temperature range and phase transformation from the solid phase to the liquid phase.