Crystallization: Colloidal suspense

TL;DR

This paper discusses how colloidal crystallization can proceed from amorphous precursors, leading to diverse structures, challenging classical nucleation theory which assumes growth from a nucleus with the final symmetry.

Contribution

It introduces observations of structural diversity in colloidal crystallization from amorphous precursors, expanding understanding beyond classical nucleation theory.

Findings

Crystallites can develop with different structures from amorphous precursors.

Classical nucleation theory may not fully explain colloidal crystallization.

Experimental evidence shows structural diversity in colloidal crystal growth.

Abstract

According to classical nucleation theory, a crystal grows from a small nucleus that already bears the symmetry of its end phase - but experiments with colloids now reveal that, from an amorphous precursor, crystallites with different structures can develop.