Reentrant Adhesion Behavior in Nanocluster Deposition

TL;DR

This study uses molecular dynamics simulations to explore how atomic clusters interact with surfaces, revealing complex adhesion behaviors including transitions between sticking and bouncing depending on kinetic energy.

Contribution

It uncovers reentrant adhesion behavior in nanocluster deposition, showing multiple adhesion regimes influenced by incident kinetic energy and deformation.

Findings

Transition from adhesion to reflection at low kinetic energies

Intermediate kinetic energies cause increased adhesion due to deformation

Identification of multiple adhesion regimes based on energy levels

Abstract

We simulate the collision of atomic clusters with a weakly attractive surface using molecular dynamics in a regime between soft-landing and fragmentation, where the cluster undergoes large deformation but remains intact. As a function of incident kinetic energy, we find a transition from adhesion to reflection at low kinetic energies. We also identify a second adhesive regime at intermediate kinetic energies, where strong deformation of the cluster leads to an increase in contact area and adhesive energy.