Researchers have discovered that nanoscale silver (Ag) possesses the ability to self-heal structural damage, such as nanocracks and nanopores, without external intervention. This autonomous self-repair process occurs at room temperature and even at low temperatures (as cold as 173 K). The self-healing is driven by surface diffusion of Ag atoms, repairing damage within minutes. This finding opens potential for damage-tolerant materials at the nanoscale, which could have applications in high-performance, durable technologies.
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