Crystal templating through liquid–liquid phase separation

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Abstract
Controlled induction of crystal nucleation is a highly desirable but elusive goal. Attempts to speed up crystallization, such as high super saturation or working near a liquid–liquid critical point, always led to irregular and uncontrollable crystal growth. Here, we show that under highly nonequilibrium conditions of spinodal decomposition, water crystals grow as thin wires in a template-less formation of “Haareis”. This suggests that such nonequilibrium conditions may be employed more widely as mechanisms for crystal growth control.
Funding Information
  • Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EP/F06926X)
  • Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EP/J004790)
  • Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EP/J004812)
  • Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EP/J014478)

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