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Molecules leave solvation shell and integrate into crystal surface
Using computer-based simulations to analyze how atoms and molecules move in a solution, researchers at the University of Illinois Chicago identified a general mechanism governing crystal growth that scientists can manipulate when developing new materials. In this illustration, local fluctuations allow molecules to leave the solvation shell and integrate into the crystal surface.
[Research supported by National Science Foundation grant CBET 1706921.]
Learn more about this research in the University of Illinois news story Study reveals breach of 'dancing' barrier governs crystal growth. (Date image taken: Nov. 4, 2019; date originally posted to NSF Multimedia Gallery: Feb. 25, 2020)
Credit: Meenesh R. Singh, Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Illinois at Chicago
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