The effects of surface diffusion and line tension on the mechanism of heterogeneous nucleation

Summarization: The concepts of surface diffusion and line tension in relation to the mechanism of heterogeneous nucleation have been examined. A mechanism based on the surface diffusion of vapor molecules on the surface of aerosol particles has been investigated. Surface diffusion leads to higher nucleation rates compared to the classical model. The concept of a negative line tension has been examined and has been shown to lead to higher nucleation rates compared to the classical model and to a smaller contact angle than the macroscopic one. The mechanism of surface diffusion and the concept of a negative line tension together showed a qualitative agreement with the experimental data of heterogeneous nucleation of water on different substrates. The effect of surface diffusion and line tension on the H2SO4-H2O binary system has also been examined because of its great importance in the atmosphere. The presence of hydrates has been considered in the case of the H2SO4-H2O system.Παρουσιάστηκε στο: Journal of Colloid and Interface Scienc