Nucleation in complex networks

Nucleation is essential for many dynamical processes on real-world scenarios, such as crystallization, fractures, glass formation, and protein folding. Since complex networks can model many real systems, in this contribution, therefore, we show how local patterns of nucleation emerge differently in homogeneous and heterogeneous complex networks, driving the critical nucleus come into being following different pathways. Furthermore, the effects of degree correlation on nucleation pathway are also studied. The dependence of the dynamics on the topology is unveiled. This study provides a new perspective and approach to understand many first-order phase transitions in natural and social systems.