Closed-loop liquid-vapor equilibrium in a one-component system

Abstract

We report Monte Carlo simulations that show a closed-loop liquid-vapor equilibrium in a pure substance. This finding has been achieved on a two-dimensional lattice model for patchy particles that can form network fluids. We have considered related models with a slightly different patch distribution in order to understand the features of the distribution of patches on the surface of the particles that make possible the presence of the closed-loop liquid-vapor equilibrium, and its relation to the phase diagram containing so-called empty liquids. Finally we discuss the likelihood of finding the closed-loop liquid-vapor equilibria on related models for three-dimensional models of patchy particles in the continuum, and speculate on the possible relationship between the mechanism behind the closed-loop liquid-vapor equilibrium of our simple lattice model and the salt-induced reentrant condensation found in complex systems.