Spherical seed mediated vapor condensation of Lennard-Jones fluid: a density functional theory approach

Thermodynamic and kinetics investigation of homogeneous and heterogeneous nucleation

Nucleation is a fundamental process widely studied in different areas of industry and biology. This review paper comprehensively discussed the principles of classical nucleation theory (primary homogeneous), and heterogeneous nucleation. In the homogeneous part, the nucleation rate in the transient and intransient state is monitored and also heterogeneous nucleation is covered. Finally, conclusions have been deduced from the collected works studied here, and offers for future studies are proposed.

Line-tension-induced scenario of heterogeneous nucleation on a spherical substrate and in a spherical cavity

Line-tension-induced scenario of heterogeneous nucleation is studied for a lens-shaped nucleus with a finite contact angle nucleated on a spherical substrate and on the bottom of the wall of a spherical cavity. The effect of line tension on the free energy of a critical nucleus can be separated from the usual volume term. By comparing the free energy of a lens-shaped critical nucleus of a finite contact angle with that of a spherical nucleus, we find that a spherical nucleus may have a lower free energy than a lens-shaped nucleus when the line tension is positive and large, which is similar to the drying transition predicted by Widom [B. Widom, J. Phys. Chem. 99, 2803 (1995)]. Then, the homogeneous nucleation rather than the heterogeneous nucleation will be favorable. Similarly, the free energy of a lens-shaped nucleus becomes negative when the line tension is negative and large. Then, the barrier-less nucleation with no thermal activation called athermal nucleation will be realized.