Surface tension and tolman length of spherical particulate in contact with fluid

J Phys Chem B. 2008 Jun 19;112(24):7251-6. doi: 10.1021/jp711692j. Epub 2008 May 27.

Abstract

The structure, surface tension and Tolman length of particulate-fluid interfaces were studied theoretically. Within the framework of density functional theory, the nonlocal, modified fundamental measure theory and direct correlation function from the first-order mean spherical approximation were incorporated. The theory accurately predicted the structure of fluid and the particulate-vapor surface tensions. The predictions of surface tensions for particulate-liquid interface and particulate in supercritical fluid are also reasonable. Especially, Tolman lengths for particulate-fluid interfaces were investigated systematically. The correct prediction of surface tension from Tolman length indicates that our analysis is reliable. Furthermore, Tolman length as a function of spherical particulate diameter, particulate-fluid interaction energy, and the properties of the fluid is fully discussed.