Cluster formation of dense fluids

The condensation of supersaturated gases is of fundamental relevance in a number of research fields, such as atmospheric and environmental chemistry, chemical engineering, and process technology. At present this topic experiences a remarkable renaissance owing to urging questions in climate research, fascinating applications in materials science, and also due to the significant progress achieved in modern experimental methods. These laboratory studies at accurately defined conditions are mandatory for an improved comprehension of phase transitions at the nanometer scale. In our research we study the formation and growth of clusters consisting of atmospherically important molecules such as water, carbon dioxide and hydrocarbons. The combination of unprecedented experimental precision and a highly accurate data analysis employing advanced equations of state — beyond the ideal gas approximation — opens up new possibilities and perspectives such as the determination of size-dependent cluster temperatures. As this approach is applicable to most fluid substances, it provides a fairly universal method for an improved characterization of clusters and nanoparticles.