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Developing a Vial-Scale Methodology for the Measurement of Nucleation Kinetics Using Evaporative Crystallization: A
Michele Chen1, Leif-Thore Deck1, Luca Bosetti1
1Institute of Energy and Process Engineering, ETH Zürich, 8092 Zürich, Switzerland.
Crystal Growth & Design
|April 21, 2025
Summary
This study presents a new evaporation method to measure nucleation kinetics, crucial for crystallization processes. This technique works for all compounds, unlike traditional cooling methods.
Area of Science:
- Crystallization Science
- Physical Chemistry
- Materials Science
Background:
- Nucleation kinetics are fundamental to controlling crystallization processes.
- Traditional cooling-based methods are limited for compounds with temperature-independent solubility.
- A robust method is needed to measure nucleation kinetics across diverse compounds.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce and validate an experimental procedure for measuring nucleation kinetics using evaporative crystallization.
- To apply the method to sodium chloride (NaCl) nucleation in an aqueous solution.
- To demonstrate the applicability of evaporative crystallization for nucleation studies irrespective of solubility-temperature dependence.
Main Methods:
- Developed an experimental setup for evaporative crystallization.
- Systematically varied parameters like temperature and evaporation gas flow rate.
- Collected comprehensive data on sodium chloride nucleation.
Main Results:
- Successfully obtained detailed nucleation data for sodium chloride.
- Estimated kinetic parameters using a rate expression derived from classical nucleation theory (CNT).
- Demonstrated the method's effectiveness across varied experimental conditions.
Conclusions:
- Evaporative crystallization is a robust and versatile method for measuring nucleation kinetics.
- The technique overcomes limitations of temperature-dependent solubility.
- This approach advances the design and control of crystallization processes for a wider range of compounds.
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