Term: Ostwald ripening
https://doi.org/10.1351/goldbook.O04348

Definition:
dissolution of small crystals or sol particles and the redeposition of the dissolved species on the surfaces of larger crystals or sol particles.

Notes:
0) The process occurs because smaller particles have a higher surface energy, hence higher total Gibbs energy, than larger particles, giving rise to an apparent higher @S05740@.
1) Modified from previous definition. The definition proposed here is recommended for its inclusion of @S05727@ particles.

Related Terms:
1) solubility (http://doi.org/10.1351/goldbook.S05740).
2) sol (http://doi.org/10.1351/goldbook.S05727).
3) dissolution (http://doi.org/10.1351/goldbook.D01806).

Source: PAC, 2007, 79, 1801. 'Definitions of terms relating to the structure and processing of sols, gels, networks, and inorganic-organic hybrid materials (IUPAC Recommendations 2007)' on page 1824 (https://doi.org/10.1351/pac200779101801)

Citation: 'Ostwald ripening' in IUPAC Compendium of Chemical Terminology, 5th ed. International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry; 2025. Online version 5.0.0, 2025. https://doi.org/10.1351/goldbook.O04348

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