Nucleation of charged droplets; an ion-atmosphere model

Abstract

We have explored the nucleation of charged droplets within the framework of Debye–Huckel ion-atmosphere model. In view of this the nucleation potential energy barrier has been appropriately modified. The Zeldovich–Becker–Doring–Frenkel theory (ZBDFT) and Boundary Layer Theory (BLT) have been exploited to understand the role of droplet charge on the steady state and transient nucleation rates. The time lag associated with the attainment of steady state cluster size distribution and the transient cluster flux have been analyzed in detail. The role played by the critical cluster size and the charge content of the droplets in modulating the transient nucleation rate have been explored. Also, a subtle analysis of the time lag has revealed the importance of diffusion of sub-critical clusters to attain the steady state. As interesting observations we have found complete confinement of droplet charge inside the inner region which is in close proximity with critical cluster size and sudden surge in nucleation rate as the droplet charge surpasses a threshold value. We demonstrate the enhancement of transient nucleation rate involving the charged droplets in comparison with their uncharged counterparts which runs in conformity with the earlier observations. The present work also highlights potential importance in the field of atmospheric physics research where the charged droplets are found as inalienable components.