Exploratory crystal growth is a fundamental and practical aspect of materials chemistry that can result in the discovery of new materials exhibiting desired and even unexpected physical properties. The process involves control over the size, morphology and exposed surface features of crystals, as well as the discovery of materials with novel compositions that crystallize in new structure types.
Flux crystal growth is a liquid phase method, operating under ambient or high-pressure conditions. Molten metals, metal oxides, metal salts or various other inorganic solids are used as the solvent for the dissolution of the reactants and precipitation of target crystals, thus enabling efficient crystal growth below the melting points of the solutes. This approach has several advantages over conventional ceramic synthetic methods such as solid-state reactions and hydrothermal methods. The word “flux” indicates that a substance is used in its molten state as the solvent to speed up the initial dissolution, potential chemical reactions, and subsequent crystallization of dissolved components at relatively low temperatures to form isolatable high-quality crystals.
This Research Topic covers the field of flux crystal growth science from fundamental flux crystal growth to the functionality of the crystals. This includes the systematic study of flux crystal growth mechanisms using spectroscopic characterization and computational science techniques as well as studies focusing on the application of flux-grown crystals with unique functionalities. We welcome your submission of original research articles, reviews, mini-reviews and perspectives, to this Research Topic.
Exploratory crystal growth is a fundamental and practical aspect of materials chemistry that can result in the discovery of new materials exhibiting desired and even unexpected physical properties. The process involves control over the size, morphology and exposed surface features of crystals, as well as the discovery of materials with novel compositions that crystallize in new structure types.
Flux crystal growth is a liquid phase method, operating under ambient or high-pressure conditions. Molten metals, metal oxides, metal salts or various other inorganic solids are used as the solvent for the dissolution of the reactants and precipitation of target crystals, thus enabling efficient crystal growth below the melting points of the solutes. This approach has several advantages over conventional ceramic synthetic methods such as solid-state reactions and hydrothermal methods. The word “flux” indicates that a substance is used in its molten state as the solvent to speed up the initial dissolution, potential chemical reactions, and subsequent crystallization of dissolved components at relatively low temperatures to form isolatable high-quality crystals.
This Research Topic covers the field of flux crystal growth science from fundamental flux crystal growth to the functionality of the crystals. This includes the systematic study of flux crystal growth mechanisms using spectroscopic characterization and computational science techniques as well as studies focusing on the application of flux-grown crystals with unique functionalities. We welcome your submission of original research articles, reviews, mini-reviews and perspectives, to this Research Topic.
