On the Particles Transport Between Embedded Clusters

TL;DR

This paper develops a new theoretical model for particle transport between clusters during Ostwald Ripening, incorporating off-center diffusion and medium polarization effects, and compares it with experimental data and classical LSW theory.

Contribution

It introduces an off-centre diffusion approach that accounts for cluster size correlation and polarization effects, providing a different growth law from LSW theory.

Findings

The model predicts higher particle transfer frequencies due to polarization.

The derived growth law differs from classical LSW predictions.

Experimental data for Ag clusters support the new theoretical approach.

Abstract

Diffusional interactions within the Ostwald Ripening process are analyzed in the present paper. An {\it off-centre diffusion approach \/} is performed to point out the direct correlation between the size of clusters. Herein the diffusion solution is derived as a function of both the growing and shrinking cluster sizes. Also, it is shown that the frequency transfer of particles between the shrinking cluster and the growing one may acquire high values due to the medium polarization. As a result, the temporal power law of the cluster growth derived in this theoretical model differs from that predicted by the {\it LSW \/} theory. Experimental data for $Ag$ clusters embedded in a $KCl$ matrix are analyzed both by the present theory and by the $LSW$ theory.