Abstract:
The effect of supersaturation on the morphology of crystals is usually not taken into account in crystal morphology predictions. By considering, besides the attachment energy, also the step energies of a crystal face, the growth mechanisms that are relevant at various supersaturations can be included. The topology of the connected net that represents the surface configuration of the face turns out to be of crucial importance to the step energies. The detailed study of this topology allows for a more reliable prediction of the crystal growth morphology. Examples of lysozyme, naphthalene and fat crystals are presented.