A Possible universal definition for the nanophase

TL;DR

This paper proposes a universal, experimentally-based definition of nanostructured materials, suggesting they behave as a distinct quantum phase when certain volume ratios are exceeded, indicating a phase transition from bulk matter.

Contribution

It introduces a universal criterion for defining nanostructures based on volume ratios and characterizes the nanophase as a separate quantum mechanical phase.

Findings

Nanostructures occur at V/Vc ratios of 10^5-10^6.

Transition to nanophase is a phase transition.

Nanophase is a distinct quantum mechanical phase.

Abstract

A possible universal definition for a nanostructured material based purely on experimental data available in literature for a wide variety of physical phenomena is proposed. It is suggested that for values of the ratio of sample volume, V to that of the unit cell volume, Vc, 10^5- 10^6 the samples behave as nanostructures. This is mirrored in the ratio of the number of particles in sample, N to that in the unit cell, Nc. It is further proposed that the transition to the nanophase from bulk is a phase transition in all cases investigated. The nanophase should therefore be treated as a distinct phase of matter, entirely in the quantum mechanical domain, and treated appropriately.