Nonequilibrium thermodynamics of sublimation, evaporation, and condensation

Using the methods of nonequilibrium thermodynamics, we set up the coupled balance equations for mass and energy flow across the interface between dilute and condensed phases. The rate equations for sublimation, evaporation, and condensation are specified for a one-component system and for a metal in contact with its atomic and dimer vapor phase. Imposing Onsager’s reciprocity relations, we can connect Onsager transport coefficients with experimentally accessible quantities such as condensation coefficients and heats of evaporation and sublimation.