Analytical density functional theory of homogeneous vapor condensation

Starting from an exact gradient transcription of the perturbative density f unctional theory of homogeneous vapor condensation, we propose an analytica l approximation that reproduces the density profile and free energy of crit ical fluctuations to high accuracy. For a broad variety of substances, incl uding nonpolar, weakly polar, and metallic liquids, the method predicts nuc leation rates that are orders of magnitude closer to experiment than those from the classical approach. The present treatment incorporates detailed mo lecular theory into macroscopic modeling.