Small Systems and Fundamentals of Thermodynamics

Small systems are a very active area of research and development due to improved instrumentation that allows for spatial resolution in the range of sizes from one to 100 nm. In this size range, many physical and chemical properties change, which opens up new approaches to the study of substances and their practical application. This affects both traditional fields of knowledge and many other new fields including physics, chemistry, biology, etc. This book highlights new developments in statistical thermodynamics that answer the most important questions about the specifics of small systems - when one cannot apply equations or traditional thermodynamic models.

Review: "The monograph is motivated by the author's research on physical chemistry and physics of surface phenomena, with emphasis on the thermodynamic description of small systems (a concept ranging down to nanostructures)...The Yang-Lee theory is comparatively discussed in the context of the Kelvin equation. The conclusion provides a concise summary of all hitherto established limitations of the macroscopic statistical thermodynamics equations in the description of small systems, while not diminishing an important role of the thermodynamics proper in the organization of the experiment and its interpretation. The book is not addressed to a mathematically oriented audience..." - Piotr Garbaczewski (Opole). Zentralblatt MATH 1406

Author Biography: Yu. K. Tovbin, Russian Academy of Science, Moscow

Foreword Symbols and Abbreviations 1 Background 2 Fundamentals of molecular theory 3 Phase separation boundary 4 Small systems and size fluctuations 5 Non-equilibrium processes 6 Elementary stages of the evolution of the system 7 Analysis of thermodynamic interpretations Conclusion Appendix 1: Metastable drops Appendix 2: Transfer equations and dissipative coefficients Appendix 3: Coefficients of activity in associated solutions Index