A general model to evaluate the energy barrier to nucleation in vapour system by considering real gas approaches of the equation of state
Year: 2024
Type: article
Abstract: Researchers have advanced theories and models of spontaneous homogeneous nucleation which result in the so-called “classical nucleation theory” (CNT), essentially valid for an ideal gas. Due to the lack of a “general” model, many works apply the CNT probably with modifications for gases like CO2 whose working state is in many cases much closer to the critical point rather than e.g. water. However, a theoretical review of these modifications or a further check in nucleation theory for real gases is missing.As the first step of understanding the impact of the “distance to the critical point” on nucleation processes, this work aims to model the energy barrier to nucleation ΔG∗, through two theoretical derivations. The first one assumes a constant liquid density and considers cubic, virial and free-energy-based approaches of EOS respectively. The second counts a free energy-based approach and a varying liquid density. Eventually, an evident deviation between the presented and several existing models is detected. For CO2, the isothermal compression term should be considered and a constant liquid density can be counted within a deviation of 7 %. Both cubic and virial models do not correspond to the free-energy-based one in the vicinity of the critical point.
Institution: University of Duisburg-Essen
Language: English
Subfield: Atmospheric Science
Field: Earth and Planetary Sciences
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $4,320
Funder: Universität Duisburg-Essen
OpenAlex ID: W4404579878