Interfacial Phenomena: Size Effects and Phase Transitions

This lecture delves into the significance of interfacial phenomena in material science, focusing on how finite size affects phase transitions. The instructor explains how materials of different sizes exhibit altered transition temperatures, using examples like ice nanoparticles melting at lower temperatures. The concept of nucleation and growth is explored, emphasizing the formation of nuclei to initiate phase changes. Additionally, the lecture covers Ostwald ripening, where smaller crystals are absorbed by larger ones, leading to crystal size convergence. Throughout the class, the instructor highlights the role of surface energy in determining chemical potential and phase equilibrium, showcasing how these principles manifest in various material science applications.