Nanostructurization caused by first order phase transitions in systems with hopping dynamics

A system with thermally activated hopping dynamics is considered in the framework of the lattice fluid model in situations when no constrains on concentration gradients are assumed. Attractive nearest neighbor interparticle interactions and discrete particle energy levels are taken into account. On the basis of local equilibrium distribution function the expressions for the mean potentials and the chemical potential distribution at a given particle concentration distribution are derived in the quasichemical approximation. The closed system of differential-difference evolution equations for the particle concentration distribution is evaluated. Several case studies of formation of nanostructures accompanied by first order phase transitions are considered. They include situations when the symmetry of initially metastable constant concentration distribution is violated by temperature, interparticle interaction or concentration perturbation. In the latter case two dimensional structures are observed. The final nanostructured states remain stable when fluctuations are taken into consideration. ► A lattice system with thermally activated dynamics is considered. ► Kinetic equations for particles with discrete energetic levels are formulated. ► Expressions for nonequilibrium one and two site distribution functions are derived. ► Nanostructurization at different initial conditions is investigated. ► Concentration distribution shows elements of square and cylindrical symmetry.