Nanotechnology Now

Our NanoNews Digest Sponsors
Heifer International



Home > Press > New clues on the thermodynamic behaviour in small systems

Abstract:
The energy lost in small systems, like nanodevices, can be decisive in order to obtain an optimal functioning of this kind of systems. Under a thermodynamic point of view, the application of the stability theory and classical statistical mechanics to the description of small systems under destabilizing external conditions reveals a constant generation of heat while the system oscillates between two structural configurations or thermodynamic phases.

New clues on the thermodynamic behaviour in small systems

Barcelona, Spain | Posted on February 5th, 2014

A research published on the journal Physical Review E, and signed by Agustín Pérez, from the Department of Fundamental Physics of the University of Barcelona, and Iván Santamaría, from the National Autonomous University of Mexico, analyses the implications of the finite size of the system on its thermodynamic behaviour.

"The results obtained in this research are of great interest since they underlie the physics of the energy generation and conversion nanodevices. Potential applications have been recently reported for energy nano-generators, systems based on the pyroelectric effect, and electric energy storage systems like batteries", explains Agustín Pérez.

When a macroscopic system is subjected to destabilizing conditions, it separates into two or more phases that may coexist in equilibrium. This involves the formation of interfaces and, finally, new thermodynamic systems emerge.

However, when the system is finite and small enough, like nanodevices, the formation of an interface could imply an excessively high energetic cost and, therefore, becomes energetically unfavourable. Thus, this system will remain in a stationary state strongly sensitive to fluctuations. Nevertheless, since the thermodynamic parameters of both states differ from those of the external bath, a thermodynamic force known as critical oscillation appears driving the state of the system towards the unstable state externally imposed were again it cannot remain. "As a result of this description, it can be predicted that this peculiar behaviour of small systems underlie the dynamic of energy generating, storage or conversion nanodevices", Pérez concludes.


Full bibliographic information

I. Santamaría-Holek and A. Pérez-Madrid. "Thermostatistical Description of Small Systems in Non-Equilibrium Conditions: Energy Conversion and Harvesting". Physical Review E, 30 January 2014. DOI:10.1103/PhysRevE.89.012144

####

For more information, please click here

Contacts:
Bibiana Bonmati
+34 93 403 5544

Copyright © AlphaGalileo

If you have a comment, please Contact us.

Issuers of news releases, not 7th Wave, Inc. or Nanotechnology Now, are solely responsible for the accuracy of the content.

Bookmark:
Delicious Digg Newsvine Google Yahoo Reddit Magnoliacom Furl Facebook

Related News Press

Physics

INRS and ELI deepen strategic partnership to train the next generation in laser science:PhD students will benefit from international mobility and privileged access to cutting-edge infrastructure June 6th, 2025

Quantum computers simulate fundamental physics: shedding light on the building blocks of nature June 6th, 2025

News and information

INRS and ELI deepen strategic partnership to train the next generation in laser science:PhD students will benefit from international mobility and privileged access to cutting-edge infrastructure June 6th, 2025

Electrifying results shed light on graphene foam as a potential material for lab grown cartilage June 6th, 2025

Quantum computers simulate fundamental physics: shedding light on the building blocks of nature June 6th, 2025

Molecular Machines

First electric nanomotor made from DNA material: Synthetic rotary motors at the nanoscale perform mechanical work July 22nd, 2022

Nanotech scientists create world's smallest origami bird March 17th, 2021

Controlling the speed of enzyme motors brings biomedical applications of nanorobots closer: Recent advances in this field have made micro- and nanomotors promising devices for solving many biomedical problems October 13th, 2020

Giant nanomachine aids the immune system: Theoretical chemistry August 28th, 2020

Molecular Nanotechnology

Quantum pumping in molecular junctions August 16th, 2024

Scientists push the boundaries of manipulating light at the submicroscopic level March 3rd, 2023

Scientist mimic nature to make nano particle metallic snowflakes: Scientists in New Zealand and Australia working at the level of atoms created something unexpected: tiny metallic snowflakes December 9th, 2022

First electric nanomotor made from DNA material: Synthetic rotary motors at the nanoscale perform mechanical work July 22nd, 2022

Discoveries

Researchers unveil a groundbreaking clay-based solution to capture carbon dioxide and combat climate change June 6th, 2025

Cambridge chemists discover simple way to build bigger molecules – one carbon at a time June 6th, 2025

Electrifying results shed light on graphene foam as a potential material for lab grown cartilage June 6th, 2025

A 1960s idea inspires NBI researchers to study hitherto inaccessible quantum states June 6th, 2025

Announcements

INRS and ELI deepen strategic partnership to train the next generation in laser science:PhD students will benefit from international mobility and privileged access to cutting-edge infrastructure June 6th, 2025

Electrifying results shed light on graphene foam as a potential material for lab grown cartilage June 6th, 2025

Quantum computers simulate fundamental physics: shedding light on the building blocks of nature June 6th, 2025

A 1960s idea inspires NBI researchers to study hitherto inaccessible quantum states June 6th, 2025

Interviews/Book Reviews/Essays/Reports/Podcasts/Journals/White papers/Posters

Cambridge chemists discover simple way to build bigger molecules – one carbon at a time June 6th, 2025

Electrifying results shed light on graphene foam as a potential material for lab grown cartilage June 6th, 2025

Quantum computers simulate fundamental physics: shedding light on the building blocks of nature June 6th, 2025

A 1960s idea inspires NBI researchers to study hitherto inaccessible quantum states June 6th, 2025

Battery Technology/Capacitors/Generators/Piezoelectrics/Thermoelectrics/Energy storage

Enhancing power factor of p- and n-type single-walled carbon nanotubes April 25th, 2025

Leading the charge to better batteries February 28th, 2025

Researchers are cracking the code on solid-state batteries: Using a combination of advanced imagery and ultra-thin coatings, University of Missouri researchers are working to revolutionize solid-state battery performance February 28th, 2025

Enhancing transverse thermoelectric conversion performance in magnetic materials with tilted structural design: A new approach to developing practical thermoelectric technologies December 13th, 2024

NanoNews-Digest
The latest news from around the world, FREE




  Premium Products
NanoNews-Custom
Only the news you want to read!
 Learn More
NanoStrategies
Full-service, expert consulting
 Learn More











ASP
Nanotechnology Now Featured Books




NNN

The Hunger Project