Nucleation : basic theory with applications

TLDR: In this article, the authors present an approach to cluster formation based on the first-order phase transition of nucleation in the first order phase and the second-order transition in the second order phase.

Abstract: Thermodynamics of Nucleation: First-Order Phase Transitions Driving Force for Nucleation Work for Cluster Formation Nucleus Size and Nucleation Work Nucleation Theorem Properties of Clusters Equilibrium Cluster Size Distribution Density-Functional Approach. Kinetics of Nucleation: Master Equation Transition Frequencies Nucleation Rate Equilibrium Stationary Nucleation First Application of the Nucleation Theorem Nonstationary Nucleation Second Application of the Nucleation Theorem Nucleation at Variable Supersaturation. Factors affecting Nucleation: Seed size Line Energy Strain Energy Electric Field Carrier-Gas Pressure Solution Pressure Preexisting Clusters Active Centres. Applications: Overall Crystallization Crystal Growth Third Application of the Nucleation Theorem Induction Time Fourth Application of the Nucleation Theorem Metastabiltiy Limit Maximum Number of Supernuclei Size Distribution of Supernuclei Growth of Thin Films Lifetime of Amphiphile Bilayers. Appendices References Author index Subject Index.