From the thermodynamics of irreversible processes to dissipative structures and active matter

TL;DR

This paper reviews the development of non-equilibrium thermodynamics, from classical concepts to modern theories of dissipative structures and active matter, highlighting historical milestones and recent advances.

Contribution

It provides a comprehensive historical perspective and connects classical thermodynamics with current research on active matter and dissipative structures.

Findings

Historical overview of thermodynamics development

Linking non-equilibrium processes to dissipative structures

Recent advances in active matter research

Abstract

A historical perspective is presented on thermodynamics from the pioneering contributions by Carnot and Clausius to recent advances on active matter. Non-equilibrium thermodynamics develops from the identification of the irreversible processes contributing to entropy production in various types of materials and systems. These processes include friction, viscosity, heat and electric conductions, diffusion, reactions, and more. In 1954, Glansdorff and Prigogine formulated a general evolution criterion, which led to the theory of dissipative structures like chemical clocks, reaction-diffusion patterns, and convection patterns. Non-equilibrium statistical mechanics provides the microscopic foundations for the thermodynamics of irreversible processes.