Advances in Crystal Growth: Pioneering Materials for Tomorrow's Technologies
A special issue of Crystals (ISSN 2073-4352). This special issue belongs to the section "Crystal Engineering".
Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (20 September 2024) | Viewed by 8146
Special Issue Editors
Interests: flux method; floating zone technique; high temperature and high-pressure growth; superconducting and magnetic materials
Interests: materials discovery; crystal growth; nanostructures synthesis; structure determination; study of crystal growth mechanism
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
Materials are the cornerstone of technological advancement, driving innovations across various sectors. High-performance energy-related applications, including photovoltaics, fuel cells, batteries and thermoelectrics, as well as information and data storage technologies, heavily rely on the development of novel materials.
However, synthesizing high-quality single crystals for in-depth characterization remains a formidable challenge. Issues arise from incongruent melting behavior, rapid evaporation rates, high melting points, and the absence of precise phase diagrams for complex solute–solvent systems. Trial and error continues to dominate crystal growth techniques.
This Special Issue delves into recent advancements in crystal growth methods for novel compounds and emerging growth technologies. Emphasis is placed on solvent design and selection for flux-based growth of high-quality single crystals, as well as the impact of growth conditions on desired phase formation and quality optimization. Crucial aspects of crystal growth, such as solute–solvent phase diagrams, growth mechanisms, and solvent transport properties, are explored. Experiments combined with a solvent–solution system design promise to expedite crystal growth and enhance crystal quality. Although direct observation of crystal growth remains challenging, indirect monitoring of precipitation and growth allows for control of growth parameters.
The crystal growth process inherently fosters material exploration and discovery. Experimental phase diagram studies can unveil previously unknown phases and structures, while doping and modification of existing structures efficiently yield new materials.
This Special Issue of Crystals brings together cutting-edge research that not only contributes to the growth of novel compounds but also enhances our grasp of the fundamental science behind crystal growth. It stands as a testament to the relentless pursuit of innovation in the world of materials science.
Dr. Yong Liu
Dr. Arnaud Magrez
Dr. David Wen Hua Bi
Guest Editors
Manuscript Submission Information
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Keywords
- crystal growth of novel materials
- design of solvent–solution systems
- flux growth
- floating zone growth
- chemical vapour transport
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