Mechanisms of Heterogeneous Nanoscopic Ice Nucleation

Ice nucleation is a crucial process with implications in atmospheric sciences, materials science, and various technological applications. Understanding the mechanisms of ice nucleation, particularly under heterogeneous conditions, is essential for developing strategies to control and mitigate ice formation. In this study, we investigate the effects of the water droplet size and surface state on the nucleation temperature. Specifically, we utilize anodized aluminum oxide (AAO) nanoporous membranes with controlled pore dimensions and examine the freezing behavior of water nanodroplets in different environments. Our experimental results and theoretical analysis reveal the interplay among the droplet size, interfacial properties, and nucleation temperature, shedding light on the length-scale dependence of heterogeneous ice nucleation.