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Chung-Ang University Researchers Unveil New Theory of Nanoparticle Growth
Nanoparticles power technologies from quantum-dot displays to catalysts and drug delivery. Their unique properties depend on size and shape, yet scientists have long struggled to explain why nanoparticles self-organize into uniform size ranges. For more than a century, the classical nucleation theory (CNT) has been the standard framework, but it cannot account for these dynamics.
Now, researchers at Chung-Ang University (CAU), Seoul, together with collaborators from Seoul National University and the Institute for Basic Science (IBS), have developed a new model and theory that explains the strange multiphasic growth and shrinkage dynamics of nanoparticles. Their findings, published June 10, 2025, in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS), offer a fundamental shift in understanding nanoparticle formation.
Real-Time Observations Inspire New Theory
Using advanced liquid-phase transmission electron microscopy (TEM), the team tracked the growth of hundreds of colloidal nanoparticles in real time. These experiments revealed that nanoparticles undergo multiple distinct kinetic phases, including a surprising tendency for smaller particles to grow while larger ones shrink—a behavior directly contradicting the classical Ostwald ripening model.
“Real-time, in-situ growth trajectories of nanoparticle ensembles motivated us to rethink theory from the ground up,” said Professor Jaeyoung Sung, Department of Chemistry and Director of the Global Science Research Center for Systems Chemistry at CAU.
A Comprehensive Model of Nanoparticle Dynamics
The new theory incorporates factors that CNT overlooked, including:
- nanoparticle energy, shape, and configurational degeneracy,
- monomer diffusion and association rates,
- and nanoparticle translation, rotation, and vibration as they interact with surrounding molecules.
By integrating these variables, the model captures six key features of nanoparticle growth, providing a quantitative explanation of experimental data and broad applicability across platinum, metal oxide, and semiconductor nanoparticles.
“This theory marks a fundamental shift in our understanding of nanoparticle formation and time evolution,” said Professor Jungwon Park (Seoul National University). “It explains why nanoparticles settle into uniform size distributions—a mystery left unresolved by classical models.”
Implications for Nanoscience and Beyond
The model also sheds light on biological condensates and protein aggregation, with potential applications in studying neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s.
“Together with advances in AI and computational chemistry, our theory opens the door to predictable nanoparticle synthesis,” said Professor Sung. “This knowledge will guide tailored design of catalysts, semiconductors, and drug delivery systems.”
About Chung-Ang University
Founded in 1916 and located in Seoul, South Korea, Chung-Ang University (CAU) is a comprehensive private university accredited by the Ministry of Education. Under the vision “The Global Creative Leader”, CAU is a rising leader in research, especially in pure and applied chemistry. In 2024, its Department of Chemistry became home to the Global Science Research Center for Systems Chemistry, supported by the National Research Foundation of Korea.
About Professor Jaeyoung Sung
Dr. Jaeyoung Sung is Professor of Chemistry and Director of the Global Science Research Center for Systems Chemistry (GCSC) at CAU. His research focuses on quantitative theories of dynamic behaviors in complex materials and biological systems. He earned his Ph.D. at Seoul National University and conducted postdoctoral research at MIT.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the different phases of growth dynamics for platinum and gold nanoparticles?
Platinum nanoparticles grow in multiple phases, showing rapid growth initially, slower growth in the next phase, and then rapid growth again. Gold nanoparticles have less significant phase-to-phase variation in their growth dynamics.
How does the new model explain the growth dynamics of nanoparticles?
The new model uses a statistical mechanical approach to describe how nanoparticles grow by associating with monomers in solution. It considers both physical and chemical properties, allowing it to accurately predict the size distribution and growth rates of nanoparticles.
What role does coalescence play in the growth of nanoparticles?
Coalescence leads to a rapid increase in the size of certain nanoparticles at specific growth phases. This process is influenced by the distance between nanoparticles and their thermal motion, which affects how and when they come together to form larger particles.
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