Liquid-phase precipitation heterogeneous nucleation

Colloidal dispersions can be formed either by nucleation with subsequent growth or by subdivision processes [1-6]. The nucleation/condensation process requires a phase change, such as condensation of vapour to yield liquid or solid, or precipitation from solution. The colloidal species are built up by deposition on nuclei that may be of the same or different chemical species. If the nuclei are of the same chemical species, the process is referred to as homogeneous nucleation if the nuclei are of different chemical species, the process is referred to as heterogeneous nucleation. Tadros reviews nucleation/condensation processes and their control [7]. Some mechanisms of such colloid formation are listed in Table 7.1. 

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