A one order parameter theory of crystal-melt nucleation of spherical clusters

A one order parameter theory of crystal-melt nucleation based on the density functional theory is used to investigate the thermodynamic properties of prototypic spherical clusters. Specifically, the work of formation of the spherical cluster for the homogeneous nucleation is investigated within a unified mathematical model. Appreciable asymmetry between freezing and melting is found, which is related to an asymmetry of the proximity of the spinodal temperatures to the coexistence temperature. The results are consistent with previous theoretical calculations and various empirical formulae.