Heterogeneous Nucleation in Solutions on Rough Solid Surfaces: Generalized Gibbs Approach.

Area of Science:

• Physical Chemistry
• Materials Science
• Thermodynamics

Background:

• Heterogeneous nucleation is crucial for phase transitions in solutions.
• Previous models often assume critical clusters match macroscopic phase parameters.
• Surface roughness significantly impacts nucleation kinetics and thermodynamics.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate heterogeneous nucleation of new phases on rough solid surfaces.
• To account for differences between critical cluster and macroscopic phase parameters using generalized Gibbs approach.
• To analyze the influence of surface imperfections (cones) on nucleation.

Main Methods:

• Utilized the generalized Gibbs approach for thermodynamic analysis.
• Modeled surface imperfections as cones to simplify analysis.
• Investigated the dependence of catalytic activity on cone angle and supersaturation.

Main Results:

• The catalytic activity of conical defects depends on cone angle and solution supersaturation.
• Surface imperfections significantly affect the work of critical cluster formation.
• Good wettability with surface defects shifts the spinodal towards lower supersaturation compared to planar surfaces.

Conclusions:

• Surface imperfections critically influence heterogeneous nucleation.
• The cone angle and supersaturation determine the extent of metastability range alteration.
• This work provides insights into controlling phase transitions via surface engineering.