Issue 28, 2006

Oriented attachment and mesocrystals: Non-classical crystallization mechanisms based on nanoparticleassembly

Abstract

In this review, we highlight particle based crystallization pathways leading to single crystals via mesoscopic transformation. In contrast to the classical mechanism of atom/molecule mediated growth of a single crystal, the particle mediated growth and assembly mechanisms are summarized as “non-classical crystallization”, including exiting processes like oriented attachment and mesocrystal formation. Detailed investigations of non-classical crystallization mechanisms are a recent development, but evidence for these pathways is rapidly increasing in the literature. A major driving force for these investigations originates from biomineralization, because it seems that these crystallization routes are frequently applied by natural organisms. We give a non-exhaustive literature survey on these two mechanisms with a focus on recent examples and studies, which are dedicated to a mechanistic understanding. Furthermore, conditions are introduced for which these non-classical crystallization mechanisms can be expected, as they are always an alternative reaction pathway to classical crystallization.

Graphical abstract: Oriented attachment and mesocrystals: Non-classical crystallization mechanisms based on nanoparticle assembly

Article information

Article type
Invited Article
Submitted
29 Mar 2006
Accepted
26 Apr 2006
First published
08 Jun 2006

Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2006,8, 3271-3287

Oriented attachment and mesocrystals: Non-classical crystallization mechanisms based on nanoparticle assembly

M. Niederberger and H. Cölfen, Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2006, 8, 3271 DOI: 10.1039/B604589H

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