Matter creation, adiabaticity and phantom behavior

Abstract We present a novel cosmological framework that unifies matter creation dynamics with thermodynamic principles. Starting with a single-component fluid characterized by a constant equation of state parameter, $$\omega $$ <mml:math xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML"> <mml:mi>ω</mml:mi> </mml:math> , we introduce a generalized second law of thermodynamics by considering the entropy associated with the cosmic horizon. Imposing an adiabatic expansion condition uniquely determines the particle creation rate, $$\Gamma $$ <mml:math xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML"> <mml:mi>Γ</mml:mi> </mml:math> , a feature unprecedented in previous matter creation models. This mechanism yields a cosmology featuring phantom-like expansion while relying solely on a single constituent, which can be either a quintessence-like fluid or a non-exotic, non-relativistic dark matter component. Remarkably, this framework avoids the need to introduce an exotic negative pressure component while providing a consistent explanation for the accelerated expansion of the universe. Our results open new pathways for understanding the interplay between horizon thermodynamics, particle creation, and cosmic evolution, offering fresh insights into the nature of dark energy and its potential thermodynamic origins.