Abstract:

Thermodynamic criterion of equal chemical potential for phase equilibrium between gas and liquid in curved interface has been introduced in many textbooks and papers. In this paper, the process of the derivation of the criterion is proved to be wrong with analysis. In order to solve the problem, a proof procedure for the thermodynamic criterion of equal chemical potential is provided based on the definition of chemical potential. At the same time, a new thermodynamic criterion of two-phase equilibrium in curved interface is established using Gibbs interface thermodynamics and a new method for derivation of Kelvin equation is put forward based on the thermodynamic criterion of two-phase equilibrium. The new criterion which is derived directly from the second law of thermodynamics has a specific thermodynamic significance and clear physical model.

Key words: Phase equilibrium between gas and liquid in curved interface, Chemical potential, Kelvin equation