Issue 35, 2021

Nonlinear optical probes of nucleation and crystal growth: recent progress and future prospects

Abstract

In situ experimental studies have been key in uncovering the often elusive pathways of nucleation and crystal growth. In the field of material science and medicine this offers the prospect of controlling crystallization processes to fight disease or tailor materials towards specific applications. To further advance this quest there is a need for flexible techniques mapping the different stages of crystallization with maximal sensitivity. This article reviews the benefits of nonlinear optical techniques to take on this challenge. We provide a perspective on various nucleation and crystal growth studies that were carried out by nonlinear optical probing techniques. A theoretical background is established, different relevant nonlinear optical phenomena are defined, and optical setups that have been used by various authors are summarized. A primary focus is demonstrating the benefits of nonlinear optical techniques for the in situ study of crystallization. These benefits include low detection limits, complementary information by combining second- and third-order techniques, as well as relatively simple bench-top setups. Through microscopy, high contrast imaging of concomitant formations can moreover be achieved. The discussion outlines several studies involving ionic compounds, noble metal nanoparticles, polymers, metal organic frameworks and pharmaceutical compounds. Finally, we discuss future evolutions in nonlinear optical probing that are expected to further advance the field.

Graphical abstract: Nonlinear optical probes of nucleation and crystal growth: recent progress and future prospects

Article information

Article type
Review Article
Submitted
30 apr 2021
Accepted
09 jul 2021
First published
02 aug 2021
This article is Open Access
Creative Commons BY license

J. Mater. Chem. C, 2021,9, 11553-11568

Nonlinear optical probes of nucleation and crystal growth: recent progress and future prospects

A. R. Dok, T. Legat, Y. de Coene, M. A. van der Veen, T. Verbiest and S. Van Cleuvenbergen, J. Mater. Chem. C, 2021, 9, 11553 DOI: 10.1039/D1TC02007B

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