The role of nanopore shape in surface-induced crystallization
Source abstract
Abstract
Crystallization of a molecular liquid from solution often initiates at solid-liquid interfaces, and nucleation rates are generally believed to be enhanced by surface roughness. Here we show that, on a rough surface, the shape of surface nanopores can also alter nucleation kinetics. Using lithographic methods, we patterned polymer films with nanopores of various shapes and found that spherical nanopores 15-120 nm in diameter hindered nucleation of aspirin crystals, whereas angular nanopores of the same size promoted it. We also show that favourable surface-solute interactions are required for angular nanopores to promote nucleation, and propose that pore shape affects nucleation kinetics through the alteration of the orientational order of the crystallizing molecule near the angles of the pores. Our findings have clear technological implications, for instance in the control of pharmaceutical polymorphism and in the design of 'seed' particles for the regulation of crystallization of fine chemicals.
Source: europepmc · Quality: candidate unverified · Source record ↗
Research context
OpenAlex topics: Nanopore and Nanochannel Transport Studies · Microfluidic and Capillary Electrophoresis Applications · Block Copolymer Self-Assembly
SciVX discovery tags are terminology-based. OpenAlex topics are source-provided classifications.
References (25)
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