Direct observations of the modification of calcite growth morphology by Li+ through selectively stabilizing an energetically unfavourable face

Abstract

In situ AFM observations of calcite growth in the presence of Li⁺ show that the site-selective mechanism of Li⁺-surface interactions leads to morphology changes as a result of the stabilization of the energetically unfavourable (0001) face. Selective stabilization of an unexpressed face in pure growth systems in turn alters the density of other structurally distinct steps during growth.