Dominant Effect of Heterogeneous Dynamics on Homogenous Crystal Nucleation in Supercooled Liquids

Abstract

Understanding the microscopic (molecular) mechanism of crystal nucleation remains intangible. For instance, it is still impossible to predict in which regions of a supercooled liquid nucleation will occur. Moreover, allegedly the Classical Nucleation Theory fails to describe the homogeneous crystal nucleation rates below the glass transition temperature. In this mini-review article, we revisit, critically comment, and link some highly selected recent studies using examples of an oxide glass-former, water, and a metallic alloy on the largely neglected effect of dynamic heterogeneities on crystal nucleation.