Thermodynamic Description of Nanosystems
Keywords:
phase interfaces, heterogeneous equilibria, Laplace equation, Kelvin equation, Gibbs-Thomson equation, Ostwald-Freundlich equationAbstract
Surfaces and interfaces significantly affect equilibria in dispersion systems and nanostructured materials. The present review follows the milestones in development of the field and the genesis of fundamental relations, specifically the Laplace, Kelvin, Gibbs-Thomson and Ostwald-Freundlich equations. Based on the Gibbs concept of interfaces the general equilibrium conditions in systems of condensed-phase spherical particles surrounded by fluid continuum are derived. Some examples are given showing the influence of particle size on saturated vapor pressure and melting temperature of metallic nanoparticles and solubility of organic solids in water.