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Ionic Crystal Structures

Ionic Crystal Structures

Ionic crystals consist of two or more different kinds of ions that usually have different sizes. The packing of these ions into a crystal structure is more complex than the packing of metal atoms that are the same size.
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Network covalent solids contain a three-dimensional network of covalently bonded atoms as found in the crystal structures of nonmetals like diamond, graphite, silicon, and some covalent compounds, such as silicon dioxide (sand) and silicon carbide (carborundum, the abrasive on sandpaper). Many minerals have networks of covalent bonds.
To break or to melt a covalent network solid, covalent bonds must be broken. Because covalent bonds are relatively strong, covalent network solids are typically...

Polymer Classification: Crystallinity

Polymer Classification: Crystallinity

Unlike ionic or small covalent molecules, polymers do not form crystalline solids due to the diffusion limitations of their long-chain structures. However, polymers contain microscopic crystalline domains separated by amorphous domains.
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Complexation Equilibria: The Chelate Effect

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A Single-Component System

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In the field of chemistry, the terms "component" and "phase" hold significant importance. A component refers to a chemically distinct substance in a system that has specific properties. It is chemically homogeneous, meaning it has the same properties throughout. For example, in a mixture of salt and water, both salt and water are considered separate components because they have different chemical properties.On the other hand, a phase is a form of matter that has a consistent chemical...

Imperfections in Crystal Structure: Stoichiometric Point Defects

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Schottky defects arise when some lattice points in a crystal, such as those in NaCl, remain unoccupied, creating lattice vacancies without disturbing the overall electrical neutrality of the crystal. This defect is common in ionic crystals where the positive and negative ions are similar in size, as seen in sodium chloride and cesium chloride. The presence of Schottky defects enables the crystal to conduct electricity to a small extent through an ionic mechanism. Electric fields cause nearby...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 13, 2026

Merging Ion Concentration Polarization between Juxtaposed Ion Exchange Membranes to Block the Propagation of the Polarization Zone

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The controlled evolution of a polymer single crystal.

Xiaogang Liu¹, Yi Zhang, Dipak K Goswami

¹Department of Chemistry and Institute for Nanotechnology, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA.

Science (New York, N.Y.)

|March 19, 2005

Summary

Researchers controlled polymer crystal growth using dip-pen nanolithography. This method allows precise control over polymer prism formation and growth rates on substrates, enabling nanometer-scale fabrication.

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Area of Science:

Polymer Science
Materials Science
Nanotechnology

Background:

Controlling polymer crystallization at the nanoscale is crucial for developing advanced materials.
Existing methods often lack precise control over crystal initiation and growth kinetics.

Purpose of the Study:

To develop a novel method for controlled polymer crystal growth.
To investigate the influence of dip-pen nanolithography parameters on polymer crystallization.

Main Methods:

Utilized dip-pen nanolithography (DPN) with an atomic force microscope (AFM) tip coated with poly-dl-lysine hydrobromide.
Epitaxially grew polymer triangular prisms on mica substrates.
Controlled growth rates by raster scanning the DPN tip across the substrate.
Monitored the process using in-situ AFM imaging.

Main Results:

Achieved controlled initiation and kinetics of polymer crystal growth.
Demonstrated the ability to tune in-plane and out-of-plane growth rates.
Obtained nanoscale to micrometer-scale images of the polymer crystallization process.
Showcased the influence of environmental conditions on crystal morphology.

Conclusions:

Dip-pen nanolithography offers a versatile platform for precise control over polymer crystallization.
The DPN-AFM method enables the fabrication of well-defined polymer nanostructures.
This technique has potential applications in nanofabrication and materials engineering.