Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 6, 2026

Facile Preparation of Internally Self-assembled Lipid Particles Stabilized by Carbon Nanotubes
Published on: February 19, 2016
Impurity mediated nucleation in hexadecane-in-water emulsions
A B Herhold1, D Ertaş, A J Levine
1Exxon Research and Engineering Corporation, Route 22, East Annandale, New Jersey 08801, USA.
Abstract:
We report detailed nucleation studies on the liquid-to-solid transition of hexadecane using nearly monodisperse hexadecane-in-water emulsions. A careful consideration of the kinetics of isothermal and nonisothermal freezing shows deviations from predictions of classical nucleation theory, if one assumes that the emulsion droplet population is homogeneous. Similar deviations have been observed previously (3). As an explanation, we propose an argument based on the dynamic generation of droplet heterogeneity mediated by mobile impurities. This proposal is in good agreement with existing data.
Related Concept Videos
Comparing Intermolecular Forces: Melting Point, Boiling Point, and Miscibility
Temporary attractive forces like dispersion are present in all molecules, whether they are polar or nonpolar. They...
Intermolecular Forces and Physical Properties
Entropy and Solvation
Recrystallization: Solid–Solution Equilibria
Colloidal precipitates
Micelles

