Ion redistributions at interfaces facilitate nucleation and growth of branched Ag3PO4 polypods

Abstract Interfaces of liquid-solid and air-liquid are known to change the chemical and physical properties of the liquid solution and thus utilized for multiple applications. However, their role in crystal growth, especially of branched structures, is seldom investigated. Here we synthesized branched silver phosphate polypods in a thin layer of aqueous solution (thickness of 810 µm or below) taking advantage of the unique properties of both the air-liquid and a hydrophilic liquid-solid interfaces. Our results indicate that the synergism of long-range electric fields (ion distributions) at the interfaces promotes not only the nucleation and growth of silver phosphate but also the formation of branched structures. This work can be a reference for facilitating crystal nucleation and growth and controlling structures by understanding and mimicking the properties at the interfaces.