Melting and superheating of low-dimensional materials

The state-of-art of melting and superheating for low-dimensional materials is reviewed. Irregular size dependence of melting kinetics: was found for ultrafine particles. Substantial melting point elevation (superheating) was observed in both nanoparticles and thin films with an epitaxial confinement. These findings might significantly advance our understanding of the nature of melting of solids providing the relevant theoretical and computer simulation investigations are stimulated. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.