A possible four-phase coexistence in a single-component system

TL;DR

This paper demonstrates that, contrary to classical thermodynamics, four phases can coexist in a single-component system by tuning interaction parameters, expanding the understanding of phase coexistence.

Contribution

It introduces a generalized approach to the Gibbs phase rule, showing the possibility of quadruple points in single-component systems through parameter variation.

Findings

Quadruple coexistence points identified in a monoatomic system.

Tunable interactions enable control over multiple phases.

Potential realization in soft matter systems like patchy colloids.

Abstract

For different phases to coexist in equilibrium at constant temperature $T$ and pressure $P$, the condition of equal chemical potential $\mu$ must be satisfied. This condition dictates that, for a single-component system, the maximum number of phases that can coexist is three. Historically this is known as the Gibbs phase rule, and is one of the oldest and venerable rules of thermodynamics. Here we makes use of the fact that, by varying model parameters, the Gibbs phase rule can be generalized so that four phases can coexist even in single-component systems. To systematically search for the quadruple point, we use a monoatomic system interacting with a Stillinger-Weber potential with variable tetrahedrality. Our study indicates that the quadruple point provides novel flexibility in controlling multiple equilibrium phases and may be realized in systems with tunable interactions, which are nowadays feasible in several soft matter systems (e.g., patchy colloids).