quantum dots. Ostwald ripening is also the key process in the digestion and aging of precipitates, an important step in gravimetric analysis. The digested precipitate is generally purer, and easier to wash and filter. Ostwald ripening can also occur in emulsion systems, with molecules diffusing from small droplets to large ones through the continuous phase. When a miniemulsion is desired, an extremely hydrophobic compound is added to stop this process from taking place. Diffusional growth of larger drops in liquid water clouds in the atmosphere at the expense of smaller drops is also characterized as Ostwald Ripening. See also Aggregation Coalescence (chemistry) Coalescence (physics) Critical radius Flocculation Kelvin equation Kirkendall effect Rock microstructure Nucleation Crystal growth Viedma ripening References External links Ostwald Ripening a 3D Kinetic Monte Carlo simulation Physical chemistry Chemical engineering thermodynamics Colloidal chemistry Crystallographic defects Precipitation