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A possible four-phase coexistence in a single-component system

Author

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  • Kenji Akahane

    (Institute of Industrial Science, University of Tokyo)

  • John Russo

    (Institute of Industrial Science, University of Tokyo
    School of Mathematics, University of Bristol)

  • Hajime Tanaka

    (Institute of Industrial Science, University of Tokyo)

Abstract

For different phases to coexist in equilibrium at constant temperature T and pressure P, the condition of equal chemical potential μ must be satisfied. This condition dictates that, for a single-component system, the maximum number of phases that can coexist is three. Historically this is known as the Gibbs phase rule, and is one of the oldest and venerable rules of thermodynamics. Here we make use of the fact that, by varying model parameters, the Gibbs phase rule can be generalized so that four phases can coexist even in single-component systems. To systematically search for the quadruple point, we use a monoatomic system interacting with a Stillinger–Weber potential with variable tetrahedrality. Our study indicates that the quadruple point provides flexibility in controlling multiple equilibrium phases and may be realized in systems with tunable interactions, which are nowadays feasible in several soft matter systems such as patchy colloids.

Suggested Citation

  • Kenji Akahane & John Russo & Hajime Tanaka, 2016. "A possible four-phase coexistence in a single-component system," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 7(1), pages 1-8, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:7:y:2016:i:1:d:10.1038_ncomms12599
    DOI: 10.1038/ncomms12599
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