On The Surface Processes Of Crystal Growth At Low Temperatures

Abstract

This paper deals with some microscopic phenomena, which occur on crystal surfaces during growth from aqueous solutions. Since crystallisation and crystal-solution interactions are ubiquitous in nature, their study is of relevance for a better understanding of processes in mineralogy, environmental sciences and biomineralisation. By using Atomic Force Microscopy we have been able to image the evolution of surfaces during the growth of pure substances and solids with chemical variability (solid solutions), and also during dissolution-crystallisation reactions. In order to interpret, and in some cases predict, the crystal growth behaviour at a molecular scale we have taken into account the relationships between supersaturation, growth mechanisms and crystallographic features of the surfaces.