Nanoparticle formation in combustion systems, including soot and some inorganic materials, is governed by interacting physical and chemical processes that are still not fully understood. We propose that particle inception may pass through a short-lived, non-equilibrium nano-dense molecular state formed by precursor species. In this intermediate state, local densification and longer molecular interactions support clustering, while molecular mobility still allows restructuring and chemical stabilization. As volatility decreases, stable nanoparticles can emerge.
This framework describes inception as a continuous transition between gas-phase chemistry and condensed-phase particle formation, rather than as a single discrete nucleation event.
It is consistent with recent observations in soot research and may also be relevant for inorganic systems. Further experimental and computational work is needed to evaluate the existence and kinetic role of these transient nano-dense molecular states.
This framework describes inception as a continuous transition between gas-phase chemistry and condensed-phase particle formation, rather than as a single discrete nucleation event.
It is consistent with recent observations in soot research and may also be relevant for inorganic systems. Further experimental and computational work is needed to evaluate the existence and kinetic role of these transient nano-dense molecular states.
