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Updated: Jan 9, 2026
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Synthesis and Characterization of Supramolecular Colloids
Published on: April 22, 2016
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Supersaturation, Nucleation, and Phase Separation of Mesoscopic Systems
Jingyu Kang1,2,3, Donghee Kim1,2,3, Sanggeun Song4,5
1Global Science Research Center for Systems Chemistry, Chung-Ang University, Seoul 06974, Korea.
Journal of the American Chemical Society
|December 3, 2025
Summary
This study introduces general equations for understanding supersaturation, nucleation, and phase separation in mesoscopic systems. The findings reveal the largest cluster size (LCS) as a key variable influencing these phenomena.
Area of Science:
- Physical Chemistry
- Materials Science
- Biophysics
Background:
- Supersaturation, nucleation, and phase separation are critical in science and industry.
- A unified, quantitative theory for mesoscopic systems is lacking.
- Understanding these processes is key for designing advanced materials and biological systems.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a unified, quantitative theoretical framework for mesoscopic nucleation and phase transitions.
- To establish general equations governing saturation degree, size distribution, and free energy.
- To identify critical conditions for phase transitions in mesoscopic systems.
Main Methods:
- Derivation of general equations for mesoscopic systems.
- Analysis of state variables including largest cluster size (LCS).
- Investigation of nucleus size distribution under varying supersaturation and temperature.
Main Results:
- Introduced general equations for saturation degree, size distribution, and phase transitions.
- Identified LCS as a crucial state variable, decreasing with supersaturation.
- Determined critical supersaturation for nucleus-to-crystal phase transition.
- Characterized nucleus size distribution (unimodal or decreasing) below critical supersaturation.
Conclusions:
- The developed theory provides a unified, quantitative explanation for nucleus size distribution across diverse systems.
- The framework is applicable to nanoparticles, biological condensates, and other mesoscopic systems.
- This work offers a valuable tool for understanding and designing nucleation and phase transitions.
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