Communication: The cluster vapor to cluster solid transition

J Chem Phys. 2016 May 7;144(17):171102. doi: 10.1063/1.4948784.

Abstract

Until now, depletion induced transitions have been the hallmark of multicomponent systems only. Monte Carlo simulations reveal a depletion-induced phase transition from cluster vapor to cluster solid in a one-component fluid with competing short range and long range interactions. This confirms a prediction made by earlier theoretical work. Analysis of renormalized cluster-cluster and cluster-vapor interactions suggests that a cluster liquid is also expected within a very narrow range of model parameters. These insights could help identify the mechanisms of clustering in experiments and assist the design of colloidal structures through engineered self-assembly.