Vapor Nucleation and Droplet Growth: Cluster Distribution Kinetics for Open and Closed Systems

A theory based on cluster distribution kinetics for single-monomer addition and dissociation is presented as a framework for homogeneous and heterogeneous vapor nucleation and growth dynamics. For continuous cluster and monomer distributions in a well-mixed non-steady-state flow system, population (mass) balance equations yield moment equations for the cluster mass moments. Nuclei are either homogeneously generated or heterogeneously seeded, and subsequent cluster growth occurs by reversible condensation of vapor monomers. The zeroth moment is the number (or moles) of clusters, the first moment is cluster mass, and the second moment gives cluster-size variance. Solutions are proposed for steady-state flow (open) and non-steady-state batch (closed) systems. Experimental data are interpreted by recognizing that droplets typically observed in nucleation experiments have grown much larger than their nuclei. This allows resolution of the large temperature-dependent discrepancy between experiment and classical nucleation theory. Copyright 2000 Academic Press.