Binary Systems and Solutions

As mentioned in Section IX-2A, binary systems are more complicated since the composition of the nuclei differ from that of the bulk. In the case of sulfuric acid and water vapor mixtures only some 10 ° molecules of sulfuric acid are needed for water oplet nucleation that may occur at less than 100% relative humidity [38]. A rather different effect is that of passivation of water nuclei by long-chain alcohols [66] (which would inhibit condensation note Section IV-6). A recent theoretical treatment by Bar-Ziv and Safran [67] of the effect of surface active monolayers, such as alcohols, on surface nucleation of ice shows the link between the inhibition of subcooling (enhanced nucleation) and the strength of the interaction between the monolayer and water. 

A very different nucleation scheme by Grieser and co-workers employs ultrasonic irradiation of salt solutions to create H- and OH- radicals in solution [73]. These radicals proceed to nucleate growth of quantum-sized (Q-state) particles of cadmium sqlfide. Similar initiation has been used for polymer latices [74]. 

Two nucleation processes important to many people (including some surface scientists ) occur in the formation of gallstones in human bile and kidney stones in urine. Cholesterol crystallization in bile causes the formation of gallstones. Cryotransmission microscopy (Chapter VIII) studies of human bile reveal vesicles, micelles, and potential early crystallites indicating that the cholesterol crystallization in bile is not cooperative and the true nucleation time may be much shorter than that found by standard clinical analysis by light microscopy [75]. Kidney stones often form from crystals of calcium oxalates in urine. Inhibitors can prevent nucleation and influence the solid phase and intercrystallite interactions [76, 77]. Citrate, for example, is an important physiological inhibitor to the formation of calcium renal stones. Electrokinetic studies (see Section V-6) have shown the effect of various inhibitors on the surface potential and colloidal stability of micrometer-sized dispersions of calcium oxalate crystals formed in synthetic urine [78, 79]. 

Supersaturation phenomena in solutions are, of course, very important, but, unfortu- 

The visible crystals that develop during a crystallization procedure are built up as a result of growth either on nuclei of the material itself or surfaces of foreign material serving the same purpose. Neglecting for the moment the matter of impurities, nucleation theory provides an explanation for certain qualitative observations in the case of solutions. 

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