Homogeneous nucleation of n-pentanol in a laminar flow diffusion chamber

Abstract

Nucleation rate isotherms of n-pentanol were measured in laminar flow diffusion chamber. n-pentanol was chosen for nucleating vapor and helium for carrier gas as a part of a world wide joint experiment on homogeneous nucleation. Experimental temperature range was from 260 to 290 K. Experimental nucleation rate range was from 103 to 107 cm−3 s−1. The results were compared to the classical nucleation theory and experimental data found in literature. Experimental results were three orders of magnitude higher than predicted by the theory. The difference was constant over the whole experimental range. The saturation ratio dependency of nucleation rate was well predicted by the theory. The number of molecules in the critical clusters was quite consistent with the theory. The results were in reasonable agreement with data found in literature.