Phase transitions in different types of clusters

Properties of clusters in the range of the phase transitions are considered. For small clusters consisting of a number of atoms below 100, these properties are determined by phase coexistence. Though the phase transition is connected with change of the cluster configuration state, and the configuration degree of freedom is separated from oscillation (thermal) degrees of freedom at low temperatures, nevertheless, the oscillation degrees of freedom give a remarkable contribution to the transition entropy. In contrast to dielectric clusters, where the configuration of atoms for the liquid aggregate state varies weakly with cluster heating, the liquid aggregate state of metal clusters includes many atomic configurations and this configuration mixture depends on the temperature. Peculiarities of dielectric and metal clusters are analyzed in this review in a range of the phase transitions, as well as the transition dielectric-metal in clusters. Experimental aspects of metal cluster research are analyzed as well as their application in nanotechnology for creation of catalysts on the basis of metal clusters.