Crystallization by particle attachment in synthetic, biogenic, and geologic environments
Year: 2015
Type: article
Abstract: Field and laboratory observations show that crystals commonly form by the addition and attachment of particles that range from multi-ion complexes to fully formed nanoparticles. The particles involved in these nonclassical pathways to crystallization are diverse, in contrast to classical models that consider only the addition of monomeric chemical species. We review progress toward understanding crystal growth by particle-attachment processes and show that multiple pathways result from the interplay of free-energy landscapes and reaction dynamics. Much remains unknown about the fundamental aspects, particularly the relationships between solution structure, interfacial forces, and particle motion. Developing a predictive description that connects molecular details to ensemble behavior will require revisiting long-standing interpretations of crystal formation in synthetic systems, biominerals, and patterns of mineralization in natural environments.
Source: Science
Institutions: Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, University of Washington, University of Wisconsin–Madison, Harvard University, Eindhoven University of Technology, University of Minnesota, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Molecular Foundry, Northwestern University, University of California, Berkeley, University of Houston, University of California, Davis, University of Delaware, Virginia Tech, University of Leeds, University of Konstanz
Language: English
Subfield: Biomaterials
Field: Materials Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: green
Funders: National Science Foundation, U.S. Department of Energy, Welch Foundation, Battelle, Northwestern University, Harvard University, University of Minnesota, Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft, Nederlandse Organisatie voor Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek, Office of Science, Radcliffe Institute for Advanced Study, Harvard University, International Institute for Nanotechnology, Northwestern University, Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council, Division of Materials Research, Basic Energy Sciences
OpenAlex ID: W1801166380