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General view of a liquid-liquid phase transition
1Institute of Industrial Science, University of Tokyo, Meguro-ku, Tokyo 153-8505, Japan.
Summary
This study proposes that all liquids exhibit liquid-liquid phase transitions due to "cooperative medium-range bond ordering." This ordering can explain hidden transitions and unique phases in ordinary molecular liquids.
Area of Science:
- Physical Chemistry
- Condensed Matter Physics
- Materials Science
Background:
- Liquids are commonly assumed to be homogeneous.
- However, locally favored structures (LFS) may coexist with normal liquid structures.
- These LFS are often frustrated, leading to complex behaviors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present a general physical picture of liquid-liquid phase transitions (LLPT) applicable to all liquids.
- To challenge the notion of liquid homogeneity.
- To propose a unified model for LLPT and associated phenomena in supercooled liquids.
Main Methods:
- Theoretical modeling based on cooperative medium-range bond ordering.
- Analysis of the excitation of locally favored structures.
- Conceptual framework for understanding critical points in liquids.
Main Results:
- A universal mechanism for LLPT based on "cooperative medium-range bond ordering" is proposed.
- This mechanism suggests that LLPTs are not material-specific.
- The model explains the existence of a hidden LLPT in ordinary molecular liquids.
Conclusions:
- Liquid-liquid phase transitions can occur in any liquid through cooperative bond ordering.
- This framework provides a potential explanation for the "glacial phase" and "Fischer clusters" in supercooled liquids.
- The study opens new avenues for understanding the complex phase behavior of liquids.