Phase transitions and dimensional cross-over in layered confined solids.

ABSTRACT: The nature of solid phases and cross-over of order-disorder phase transitions from two-dimensional (2D) layers to three-dimensional (3D) bulk in confined atomic systems remain largely unexplained. To this end, we consider noble gases and aluminum confined between graphene sheets at different pressures and temperatures. Using crystal structure search methods and molecular dynamics based on machine-learned potentials with quantum-mechanical accuracy, we identify structures of multilayer confined solids that deviate from simple close packing. Upon heating, we find that confined 2D monolayers melt according to the two-step continuous Kosterlitz-Thouless-Halperin-Nelson-Young theory. However, multilayer solids transition continuously into an intermediate layered-hexatic phase before melting dis

SUBMITTER: Wang Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12054805 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature