Surface atomic structure of KDP crystals in aqueous solution: An explanation of the growth shape
deVries-SA; Goedtkindt-P; Bennett-SL; Huisman-WJ; Zwanenburg-MJ; Smilgies-DM; DeYoreo-JJ; vanEnckevort-WJP; Bennema-P; Vlieg-E
PHYSICAL-REVIEW-LETTERS. MAR 9 1998; 80 (10) : 2229-2232

With this study on KDP, we present an interface atomic structure determination of a crystal in contact with its growth solution. Using x-ray diffraction at a third-generation synchrotron radiation source, the structure of both the {101} and {100} faces has been determined. We found that the {101} faces are terminated by a layer of K+ ions and not by H2PO4- groups, resolving a long-standing issue that could not be predicted by theory. This result leads to an atomic-scale explanation of the influence of metal impurities on the macroscopic growth morphology.