Grand potential formalism of interfacial thermodynamics for critical nucleus

Abstract

In nucleation theories, the work of formation of a nucleus is often denoted by W = ∆G. This convention misleads that the nucleation should be considered in the isothermal-isobaric system. However, the pressure in the system with a nucleus is no longer uniform due to Laplace's equation. Instead, the chemical potential is uniform throughout the system for the critical nucleus. Therefore, one can consider the nuclea-tion in the grand ensemble properly. Accordingly, W is found to be the grand potential difference and the interfacial tension is also turned to be an interfacial excess grand potential. This treatment is not entirely new; however, to explicitly treat in the grand potential formalism is for the first time. We have successfully given an overwhelmingly clear description.