Collective mechanism of ice recrystallization inhibition by small molecules

Abstract

When ice forms in aqueous solution, liquid pockets between ice crystals become supersaturated with chemical agents. Solute molecules in these pockets can self-assemble into nanocrystals, which may bind to ice grains. We introduce a theoretical model that provides a possible link between this mechanism and the inhibition of ice recrystallization by small molecules. Our analysis identifies solubility and nanoparticle–ice binding energy as the key parameters governing inhibition efficiency. We develop a general model of recrystallization inhibition by small molecules, which captures trends observed across a broad set of experimental data.