Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 31, 2025
08:01
A Microfluidic Approach for the Study of Ice and Clathrate Hydrate Crystallization
Published on: August 18, 2022
3.3K
Effect of interfacial dipole on heterogeneous ice nucleation
Hao Lu1, Quanming Xu1, Jianyang Wu1
1Department of Physics, Research Institute for Biomimetics and Soft Matter, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory for Soft Functional Materials Research, Jiujiang Research Institute, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361005, People's Republic of China.
Summary
Ice nucleation requires more than just lattice matching. Interfacial water molecule orientation, not just surface structure, is critical for ice formation on substrates.
Area of Science:
- Physical Chemistry
- Materials Science
- Crystallization
Background:
- Ice nucleation is crucial for various natural and industrial processes.
- Understanding substrate influence on ice formation is key to controlling crystallization.
- Lattice matching is a traditional factor considered in nucleation studies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of surface dipole strength and orientation in ice nucleation.
- To determine the critical factors beyond lattice matching for ice formation.
- To elucidate the molecular mechanisms of ice nucleation on surfaces.
Main Methods:
- Molecular dynamics simulations were employed.
- A rigid surface model with cubic zinc blende structure was used.
- Varying surface dipole strengths and orientations were simulated.
Main Results:
- Excellent lattice matching alone does not guarantee ice nucleation.
- Ice nucleation occurred only when interfacial water molecules adopted orientations similar to cubic ice.
- Unsuitable surface dipoles created significant free energy barriers for proper water molecule orientation.
Conclusions:
- Surface-induced molecular orientation is critical for ice nucleation.
- Beyond lattice match, interfacial water molecule orientation similarity is vital.
- This finding expands the understanding of heterogeneous ice nucleation mechanisms.
Related Concept Videos
02:34Comparing Intermolecular Forces: Melting Point, Boiling Point, and Miscibility
48.4K
Intermolecular forces are attractive forces that exist between molecules. They dictate several bulk properties, such as melting points, boiling points, and solubilities (miscibilities) of substances. Molar mass, molecular shape, and polarity affect the strength of different intermolecular forces, which influence the magnitude of physical properties across a family of molecules.
Temporary attractive forces like dispersion are present in all molecules, whether they are polar or nonpolar. They...
Temporary attractive forces like dispersion are present in all molecules, whether they are polar or nonpolar. They...
48.4K
03:13Intermolecular Forces
65.1K
Atoms and molecules interact through bonds (or forces): intramolecular and intermolecular. The forces are electrostatic as they arise from interactions (attractive or repulsive) between charged species (permanent, partial, or temporary charges) and exist with varying strengths between ions, polar, nonpolar, and neutral molecules. The different types of intermolecular forces are ion–dipole, dipole–dipole, hydrogen bonds, and dispersion; among these, dipole–dipole, hydrogen...
65.1K
02:56Intermolecular Forces and Physical Properties
24.5K
24.5K
01:24Van der Waals Interactions
68.2K
Atoms and molecules interact with each other through intermolecular forces. These electrostatic forces arise from attractive or repulsive interactions between particles with permanent, partial, or temporary charges. The intermolecular forces between neutral atoms and molecules are ion–dipole, dipole–dipole, and dispersion forces, collectively known as van der Waals forces.
68.2K
02:28Intermolecular Forces in Solutions
36.3K
The formation of a solution is an example of a spontaneous process, a process that occurs under specified conditions without energy from some external source.
When the strengths of the intermolecular forces of attraction between solute and solvent species in a solution are no different than those present in the separated components, the solution is formed with no accompanying energy change. Such a solution is called an ideal solution. A mixture of ideal gases (or gases such as helium and argon,...
When the strengths of the intermolecular forces of attraction between solute and solvent species in a solution are no different than those present in the separated components, the solution is formed with no accompanying energy change. Such a solution is called an ideal solution. A mixture of ideal gases (or gases such as helium and argon,...
36.3K
03:00Intermolecular vs Intramolecular Forces
93.0K
Intermolecular forces (IMF) are electrostatic attractions arising from charge-charge interactions between molecules. The strength of the intermolecular force is influenced by the distance of separation between molecules. The forces significantly affect the interactions in solids and liquids, where the molecules are close together. In gases, IMFs become important only under high-pressure conditions (due to the proximity of gas molecules). Intermolecular forces dictate the physical properties of...
93.0K