Nucleus–liquid interfacial energy of elements

Based on the previous models for bulk and size-dependent solid–liquid interfacial energy γsl0 and γsl(r) with the additional temperature-dependent melting enthalpy ΔHm(T) and improved Gibbs free energy difference functions gm(T) between crystal and liquid, γsl(r,T) function is quantitatively modeled. It is found that the γCNT values of Turnbull's undercooling experiments correspond to the model predictions for the nucleus–liquid interfacial energy rather than γsl0. This correspondence leads to the reexaminations on the classic nucleation theory. Moreover, the linear relationship between γsl(r,T) and ΔHm/V is found to be always valid at any degree of undercooling where V is the molar volume. Finally, the size range of γsl(r,T) for elements is also discussed.