Journal of Physical Chemistry B, Vol.112, No.24, 7251-7256, 2008
Surface tension and Tolman length of spherical particulate in contact with fluid
The structure, surface tension and Tolman length of particulate-fluid interfaces were studied theoretically. Within the framework of density functional theory, the nonlocal, modified fundamental measure theory and direct correlation function from the first-order mean spherical approximation were incorporated. The theory accurately predicted the structure of fluid and the particulate-vapor surface tensions. The predictions of surface tensions for particulate-liquid interface and particulate in supercritical fluid are also reasonable. Especially, Tolman lengths for particulate-fluid interfaces were investigated systematically. The correct prediction of surface tension from Tolman length indicates that our analysis is reliable. Furthermore, Tolman length as a function of spherical particulate diameter, particulate-fluid interaction energy, and the properties of the fluid is fully discussed.