Two-Dimensional Phase Changes and the Heterogeneous Nucleation of Ice

Abstract

The application of two-dimensional, surface ?phase? changes to explain activation and memory in heterogeneous ice nucleation is examined and found to contradict nucleation theory. At a temperature at which an ordered surface is stable, the unstable, disordered surface should be the better nucleator. The two-dimensional phase change theory is discussed from other points of view as well, with the conclusion that its validity is highly doubtful. Nevertheless, some of the evidence that led to its original proposal remains unexplained.