The cluster vapor to cluster solid transition

Sweatman, Martin B and Lue, Leo (2016) The cluster vapor to cluster solid transition. Journal of Chemical Physics, 144 (17). 171102. ISSN 0021-9606 (https://doi.org/10.1063/1.4948784)

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Abstract

Until now, depletion induced transitions have been the hallmark of multicomponent systems only. Monte Carlo simulations reveal a depletion-induced phase transition from cluster vapor to cluster solid in a one-component fluid with competing short range and long range interactions. This confirms a prediction made by earlier theoretical work. Analysis of renormalized cluster-cluster and cluster-vapor interactions suggest that a cluster liquid is also expected within a very narrow range of model parameters. These insights could help identify the mechanisms of clustering in experiments and assist the design of colloidal structures through engineered self-assembly.