Oxidation of metal nanoparticles: Experiment and model

Studies of oxygen adsorption on a metal surface are reviewed. The relationship between oxygen adsorption and the initial stage of oxidation is considered. Current theories of low-temperature oxidation and experimental data obtained during recent decades are reviewed. Thermodynamic aspects of low-temperature oxidation of metal nanoparticles and their relationship with the physical properties of metal nanoparticles are discussed. An original method for investigating the oxidation kinetics of ferromagnetic nanoparticles is described. The technique is based on continuous measurements of magnetization in the course of oxidation under controlled conditions. A stochastic model of oxidation is presented, which is based on the atomistic concepts of Cabrera-Mott theory. Oxidation is regarded as a random sequence of elementary acts ( oxygen adsorption, oxygen ionization, metal ionization, metal ion migration, etc.).