LAUSR

Cu nanocubes of different sizes were simulated using the Sutton–Chen molecular dynamics model. For each size, the rhombicuboctahedron shape that minimized the internal cohesive energy of the particle was chosen. Each particle’s thermodynamic properties were investigated by calculating the average potential energy per atom for each particle over temperature. The vacancy formation energy of the particles as well as the internal binding energy and surface binding energies of each particle was also characterized. The nanocube melting temperatures, surface energies indicating reactivity, and cohesive energy, indicating particle stability, were characterized and compared for different particle sizes and shapes.