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The missing billions in hard sphere nucleation.

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Crystallisation rates in simple liquid systems differ vastly from theoretical predictions. This study investigates colloidal hard spheres to resolve this discrepancy and proposes a new model for crystal nucleation.

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Area of Science:

  • Physical Chemistry
  • Materials Science
  • Soft Matter Physics

Background:

  • Crystallisation of metastable liquids is common but poorly understood.
  • A significant discrepancy exists between experimental and theoretical crystallisation rates, particularly for hard spheres.
  • Existing models fail to explain the observed rate densities, differing by up to 22 orders of magnitude.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To conduct a comprehensive experimental investigation of colloidal hard sphere crystallisation.
  • To challenge current understandings of crystal nucleation.
  • To explain the disparity between theoretical predictions and experimental observations.

Main Methods:

  • Particle-level experimental investigation of colloidal hard sphere systems.
  • Utilisation of elementary model systems for detailed analysis.
  • Comparison of experimental data with theoretical predictions.

Main Results:

  • Groundbreaking findings that challenge prevailing concepts of crystal nucleation.
  • Elucidation of the reasons behind the large discrepancy between experimental and theoretical crystallisation rates.
  • Identification of key factors influencing nucleation in hard sphere systems.

Conclusions:

  • The study provides a new perspective on crystal nucleation mechanisms.
  • An alternative description for the crystallisation process in hard sphere systems is proposed.
  • Resolves a long-standing enigma in physical chemistry and materials science.