Crystallization by particle attachment in synthetic, biogenic, and geologic environments

Abstract

Growing crystals by attaching particles: Crystals grow in a number a ways, including pathways involving the assembly of other particles and multi-ion complexes. De Yoreo et al. review the mounting evidence for these nonclassical pathways from new observational and computational techniques, and the thermodynamic basis for these growth mechanisms. Developing predictive models for these crystal growth and nucleation pathways will improve materials synthesis strategies. These approaches will also improve fundamental understanding of natural processes such as biomineralization and trace element cycling in aquatic ecosystems. Science , this issue 10.1126/science.aaa6760