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Recrystallization: Solid–Solution Equilibria01:10

Recrystallization: Solid–Solution Equilibria

Recrystallization is a purification technique used to separate impurities from solid compounds. In this technique, no chemical reactions occur. Instead, it exploits physical properties only, specifically, the solubility differences between the desired compound and impurities, either at a single temperature or at different temperatures, and under other selected conditions. The solid-solution equilibrium (solubility equilibrium) of each component in the solution represents a binary phase...
Crystal Growth: Principles of Crystallization01:25

Crystal Growth: Principles of Crystallization

Crystallization is a phase transformation process in which crystals are precipitated from a supersaturated solution or formed from other sources. During crystallization, atoms or molecules arrange themselves into a well-defined, rigid crystal lattice to minimize energy.
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The experimental conditions in a gravimetric analysis should be optimized to maximize the particle size and purity of the obtained precipitate. Ideally, the concentration of the precipitating reagent should be low with effective stirring to maintain low relative supersaturation for the growth of large crystals. In homogeneous precipitation, the precipitant is slowly generated by a chemical reaction in the solution to avoid local reagent excesses. For example, urea decomposes gradually to...
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The formation of a colloidal system is exemplified by an aqueous solution containing Cl− ions is introduced to another containing Ag+ ions, resulting in the precipitation of solid AgCl as extremely tiny crystals. Instead of settling out as a filterable precipitate, these crystals remain suspended in the liquid, showcasing a colloidal system.A colloidal system involves colloidal particles within the approximate range of 1 to 1000 nm in at least one dimension, dispersed in a medium called the...
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The high insolubility of some precipitates can result in an unfavorable relative supersaturation. This can lead to colloidal particles with a large surface-to-mass ratio, where adsorption is promoted. For instance, in the precipitation of silver chloride, silver ions are adsorbed on the surface of the colloidal particles, forming a primary layer. This layer attracts ions of opposite charge (such as nitrate ions), forming a diffuse secondary layer of adsorbed ions. This electric double layer...
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Growing Protein Crystals with Distinct Dimensions Using Automated Crystallization Coupled with In Situ Dynamic Light Scattering
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Ripening-dominated crystallization in polydisperse hard-sphere-like colloids.

Sara Iacopini1, Thomas Palberg, Hans Joachim Schöpe

  • 1Institut für Physik, Johannes Gutenberg Universität Mainz, Staudingerweg 7, D-55128 Mainz, Germany.

Physical Review. E, Statistical, Nonlinear, and Soft Matter Physics
|March 5, 2009
PubMed
Summary

Crystal growth in colloids shows distinct phases. At higher concentrations, crystal growth and ripening merge, driven by particle size fractionation at the crystal-fluid interface, not just slowing dynamics.

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Area of Science:

  • Colloid science
  • Materials science
  • Crystallization dynamics

Background:

  • Understanding colloidal crystallization is crucial for materials design.
  • Polydisperse hard-sphere colloids present complex crystallization behaviors.
  • Previous models often overlook particle size effects during crystal growth.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate crystal growth mechanisms in polydisperse colloids.
  • To analyze the interplay between crystal growth and ripening phases.
  • To identify the dominant factors governing crystal size evolution at varying concentrations.

Main Methods:

  • Experiments on gravity-matched, polydisperse hard-sphere-like colloids.
  • Observation of crystal size evolution over time.
  • Analysis of crystal growth and ripening regimes.
  • Comparison of experimental data with theoretical models.

Main Results:

  • Two distinct regimes (growth and ripening) observed in the fluid-crystal coexistence region.
  • At higher supersaturation, growth and ripening merge into a single power-law regime.
  • Observed phenomena cannot be explained solely by increased volume fraction effects on particle dynamics.

Conclusions:

  • Size fractionation at the crystal-fluid interface is the primary mechanism driving crystal growth.
  • This mechanism explains the merging of growth and ripening phases at higher concentrations.
  • Findings provide new insights into colloidal crystallization dynamics.