title: Embedded binary eutectic alloy nanostructures: a new class of phase change materials.
abstract: Phase change materials are essential to a number of technologies ranging from optical data storage to energy storage and transport applications. This widespread interest has given rise to a substantial effort to develop bulk phase change materials well suited for desired applications. Here, we suggest a novel and complementary approach, the use of binary eutectic alloy nanoparticles embedded within a matrix. Using GeSn nanoparticles embedded in silica as an example, we establish that the presence of a nanoparticle/matrix interface enables one to stabilize both nanobicrystal and homogeneous alloy morphologies. Further, the kinetics of switching between the two morphologies can be tuned simply by altering the composition.
authors.affiliation: Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of California, Berkeley, California 94720, USA.
authors.forename: S J
authors.initials: SJ
authors.lastname: Shin
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Guzman
authors.forename: C-W
authors.initials: CW
authors.lastname: Yuan
authors.forename: Christopher Y
authors.initials: CY
authors.lastname: Liao
authors.forename: Cosima N
authors.initials: CN
authors.lastname: Boswell-Koller
authors.forename: P R
authors.initials: PR
authors.lastname: Stone
authors.forename: O D
authors.initials: OD
authors.lastname: Dubon
authors.forename: A M
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Minor
authors.forename: Masashi
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Watanabe
authors.forename: Jeffrey W
authors.initials: JW
authors.lastname: Beeman
authors.forename: K M
authors.initials: KM
authors.lastname: Yu
authors.forename: J W
authors.initials: JW
authors.lastname: Ager
authors.forename: D C
authors.initials: DC
authors.lastname: Chrzan
authors.forename: E E
authors.initials: EE
authors.lastname: Haller