Classical and generalized Gibbs’ approaches and the work of critical cluster formation in nucleation theory

摘要: In the theoretical interpretation of kinetics first-order phase transitions, thermodynamic concepts developed long ago by Gibbs are widely employed giving some basic qualitative insights into these processes. However, from a quantitative point view, results such analysis, based on classical approach and involving in addition capillarity approximation, often not satisfactory. Some progress can be reached here van der Waals more advanced density functional methods description thermodynamically heterogeneous systems having, however, its limitations application to experimental data as well. Moreover, both mentioned theories—Gibbs’ approaches—lead partly contradicting each other’s results. As shown preceding papers, generalizing Gibbs’ approach, existing deficiencies internal contradictions two well-established theories removed new generally applicable tool for interpretati...