Dissolution of small crystals or
sol particles and the redeposition of the dissolved species
on the surfaces of larger crystals or
sol particles.
Notes:
- The process occurs because smaller particles have a higher surface energy,
hence higher total Gibbs energy, than larger particles, giving rise to an apparent
higher solubility.
- Modified from previous definition. The definition proposed here is recommended for
its inclusion of sol particles.
Source:
PAC, 2007, 79, 1801
(Definitions of terms relating to the structure and processing of sols, gels, networks,
and inorganic-organic hybrid materials (IUPAC Recommendations 2007))
on page 1824