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Investigation of solute nucleation in levitated solution droplets

Journal Article · · J. Colloid Interface Sci.; (United States)

An experimental technique that involves the use of a single micrometer-sized particle suspended electrodynamically in a laser beam has been developed and shown to have great potential for studying crystal nucleation from aqueous electrolyte solutions. Critical supersaturations required for the onset of solute crystallization have been determined for the NaCl-H/sub 2/O and the (NH/sub 4/)/sub 2/SO/sub 4/-H/sub 2/O systems. The data so obtained are used, in conjunction with nucleation theory and electrolyte solution thermodynamics, to deduce the interfacial free energy, shape, and size of the critical nucleus. For both systems, the critical nucleus is a compact microcrystal composed of only a few unit cells. 36 references, 5 figures, 2 tables.

Research Organization:
Brookhaven National Lab., Upton, NY
DOE Contract Number:
AC02-76CH00016
OSTI ID:
5975174
Journal Information:
J. Colloid Interface Sci.; (United States), Journal Name: J. Colloid Interface Sci.; (United States) Vol. 98:2; ISSN JCISA
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English