Mesocrystals and Nonclassical Crystallization

ISBN-13: 9780470029817 / Angielski / Twarda / 2008 / 288 str.

Helmut Coelfen; Markus Antonietti

Opis

Through both explanation and discussion, this title presents a complete review into mesocrystals, and accurately describes this relatively new study of established materials. This book also provides an introduction to other areas of crystallisation including self-assembly, classical crystallisation and colloidal crystals. Key features:

• Description of crystals as well as their formation processes and ways to modify them.
• Examines new ways towards the design of new materials and aids comprehension of the building principles of biominerals.
• Helps to explain many unusual observations made in the study of crystallisation.

Written by the professionals in this subject 'Mesocrystals: New Self-Assembled Structures' outlines the future potential of this topic within a variety of disciplines including engineering science, physics and chemistry, making it a versatile and valuable text.

Spis treści

Preface.

1. Mesocrystals and Nonclassical Crystallization.

2. Physico–Chemical Principles of Crystallization.

3. Examples of Crystals Challenging the Classical Textbook Mechanism.

4. Nonclassical Crystallization.

5. Self–Assembly and Self–Organization.

6. Colloidal Crystals with Spherical Units: Opals and Colloidal Nanocrystals.

7. Mesocrystal Systems.

8. Mechanism of Mesocrystal Formation.

9. Analysis of Mesocrystals.

10. Tuning of Properties.

11. A Unifying Crystallization Mechanism.

12. Analogy between Oriented Attachment or Hierarchically Structured Crystals and Polymers.

13. Summary and Outlook.

Index.

Blurb

Crystallization is certainly among the most studied processes n science and also of great practical importance. Not only does it create beautiful objects of esthetic value, but the properties of many solid bodies and materials depend on their crystal structure, the crystal shape, and their mutual texture. Over many years, a classical picture of crystallization has been established that describes crystallization as a layer–wise deposition of atoms/ions/molecules on the surfaces of a crystal nucleus. However, it is well known that this classical model does not apply for many "real–life" crystallization processes. Thus, the comprehensive treatment of classical and nonclassical crystallization in this book will help catalyze progress in the field since it identifies mechanisms on the basis of their typical features and by using suitable analytical techniques.

The book gives an introduction to self–assembly, classical crystallization, colloidal crystals, and mesocrystals. The principles of crystallization are described with examples, and nonclassical crystallization, self–assembly, and colloidal crystals are then discussed. This is followed by an exploration of mesocrystal systems, their formation, analysis, and properties. A unifying crystallization scenario combining classical and nonclassical crystallization is then presented, and the analogy between hierarchically structured crystals and biopolymers is made. Finally there is an overview of what might be possible in the future with an "extended crystallization toolbox".

This book is essential reading for scientists involved in crystallization, materials science, self–assembly, colloid science, nanosciences, biomineralization, and graduate students of material science. it is also invaluable for dealing with highly complex crystal systems.