Diffusion of nanoparticles in gases and liquids

This paper presents the results of a study of nanoparticle relaxation and diffusion in gases and liquids. The molecular dynamics method and kinetic theory with a special interaction potential are used to determine the diffusion coefficient. It is shown that nanoparticle diffusion differs considerably from the diffusion of Brownian particles and the macromolecules. Microfluctuations of the carrier fluid and their influence on nanoparticle relaxation are investigated. Data on the nanoparticle diffusion coefficient versus particle radius and carrier fluid temperature and density are presented and discussed. The drag force acting on a nanoparticle is calculated. © 2008, Inderscience Publishers.