Introduction Crystal growth

crystalline solids typically formed cooling , solidification liquid state. according ehrenfest classification of first-order phase transitions, there discontinuous change in volume (and discontinuity in slope or first derivative respect temperature, dv/dt) @ melting point. within context, crystal , melt distinct phases interfacial discontinuity having surface of tension positive surface energy. thus, metastable parent phase stable respect nucleation of small embryos or droplets daughter phase, provided has positive surface of tension. such first-order transitions must proceed advancement of interfacial region structure , properties vary discontinuously parent phase.

the process of nucleation , growth occurs in 2 different stages. in first nucleation stage, small nucleus containing newly forming crystal created. nucleation occurs relatively initial crystal components must impinge on each other in correct orientation , placement them adhere , form crystal. after crystal nucleation, second stage of growth rapidly ensues. crystal growth spreads outwards nucleating site. in faster process, elements form motif add growing crystal in prearranged system, crystal lattice, started in crystal nucleation. first pointed out frank, perfect crystals grow exceedingly slowly. real crystals grow comparatively rapidly because contain dislocations (and other defects), provide necessary growth points, providing necessary catalyst structural transformation , long-range order formation.