Crystal growth

Successful crystal growth is a prerequisite to successful “crystal engineering”. Crystallization is a complex process, wherein some ∼10²⁰ molecules and/or ions self-assemble into an organized periodic 3D array. For small organic molecules and inorganic compounds, crystallization most often occurs in solution, where cluster formation is generally thought to precede the appearance of stable critical nuclei, which can then subsequently grow by the addition of solute molecules to their surfaces. As anyone who has ever tried to crystallize a compound knows, local environmental factors (e.g. solvent, temperature, impurities and surfaces) can also affect the process, sometimes quite significantly.

The ability to design and create materials with predictable physical properties depends on a more comprehensive understanding of how kinetic and thermodynamic factors affect crystallization over many length scales. Both molecular and macroscopic factors, such as structure, size, morphology and degree of perfection, can have a profound effect on solid state properties. Elucidating these factors presents both a unique set of scientific challenges and opportunities.

The articles included in this themed issue are broad in scope, both in terms of the types of crystalline materials investigated and the experimental and/or theoretical approaches employed. While no single themed issue can begin to comprehensively cover all aspects of crystallization, the articles found herein speak to some very pertinent questions in the field while illustrating the broad range (and sometimes limitations) of the current methods available. It is hoped that CrystEngComm can serve as a place where the cross-fertilization of ideas in the crystal growth and crystal engineering communities will continue to develop.

I would like to extend my personal thanks to all the authors who contributed articles to this themed issue as well as to the editorial staff of CrystEngComm for their efforts in seeing this issue to fruition.

Jennifer Swift

Georgetown University, Washington DC, USA

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