Using the Binary Phase-Field Crystal Model to Describe Non-Classical Nucleation Pathways in Gold Nanoparticles

POSTER

Abstract

Recent experimental work [Loh et al, Nature Chemistry, Vol 9, 2017] has shown that gold nanoparticles can precipitate from an aqueous solution through a non-classical, multi-step nucleation process. This multi-step process begins with spinodal decomposition into solute-rich and solute-poor liquid domains followed by nucleation from within the solute-rich domains. We present a binary phase-field crystal theory that shows the same phenomology and examine various cross-over regimes in the growth and coarsening of liquid and solid domains.

Authors

  • Nathan Smith

    McGill University - Department of Physics

  • Nikolas Provatas

    McGill University - Department of Physics