Fast crystal growth at ultra-low temperatures

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Physical Chemistry
• Soft Matter Physics

Background:

• Rapid quenching and geometric frustration typically inhibit crystallization, promoting vitrification.
• Understanding crystallization dynamics under deep supercooling is crucial for materials processing.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the mechanisms of fast crystal growth in charged colloidal systems under deep supercooling.
• To elucidate the role of diffusion, frustration, and mechanical instability in crystal formation.

Main Methods:

• Combines experimental techniques with molecular dynamics simulations.
• Analyzes the kinetics and structural evolution during the crystallization process.

Main Results:

• Demonstrates fast crystal growth via wall-induced barrierless ordering, even with extremely low liquid diffusion.
• Identifies a two-step process: diffusionless interface advancement followed by defect repair.
• Reveals that the mechanical instability of the glassy state facilitates domino-like crystal growth.

Conclusions:

• Challenges the conventional understanding of vitrification inhibition.
• Provides insights into controlling crystal growth and quality in colloidal systems.
• Offers potential applications in preventing vitrification and optimizing crystal formation.