Controlling crystal growth with modifiers

Abstract

Modifying crystal growth processes using additives is a well established approach to solvingproblems in many processes. Nature also makes extensive use of crystalline inorganicstructures modified by soluble and insoluble organic materials. This Highlight discusses someof the recent and interesting developments in this area, with an emphasis on the control ofcrystal growth rates, covering both inhibitors and the lesser known promoters of crystalgrowth. Hybrid materials resulting from the incorporation of modifiers into crystallinestructures are also discussed, with an emphasis on non-classical crystallisation mechanisms,involving the oriented attachment of nanoparticles.