Showing papers on "Crystallization published in 2008"

Ionothermal synthesis of crystalline, condensed, graphitic carbon nitride.

Abstract: Herein we report the synthesis of a crystalline graphitic carbon nitride, or g-C(3)N(4), obtained from the temperature-induced condensation of dicyandiamide (NH(2)C(=NH)NHCN) by using a salt melt of lithium chloride and potassium chloride as the solvent. The proposed crystal structure of this g-C(3)N(4) species is based on sheets of hexagonally arranged s-heptazine (C(6)N(7)) units that are held together by covalent bonds between C and N atoms which are stacked in a graphitic, staggered fashion, as corroborated by powder X-ray diffractometry and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy.

Calcium orthophosphates: crystallization and dissolution.

Abstract: Calcium orthophosphates are the main mineral constituents of bones and teeth, and there is great interest in understanding the physical mechanisms that underlie their growth, dissolution, and phase stability. By definition, all calcium orthophosphates consist of three major chemical elements: calcium (oxidation state +2), phosphorus (oxidation state +5), and oxygen (oxidation state −2).1 The orthophosphate group (PO43−) is structurally different from meta (PO3−), pyro (P2O74−), and poly (PO3)nn−. In this review, only calcium orthophosphates will be discussed. The chemical composition of many calcium orthophosphates includes hydrogen, either as an acidic orthophosphate anion such as HPO42− or H2PO4−, and/or incorporated water as in dicalcium phosphate dihydrate (CaHPO4 · 2H2O).1 Most calcium orthophosphates are sparingly soluble in water, but all dissolve in acids; the calcium to phosphate molar ratios (Ca/P) and the solubilities are important parameters to distinguish between the phases (Table 1) with crystallographic data summarized in Table 2. In general, the lower the Ca/P ratio, the more acidic and soluble the calcium phosphate phase.2 It is now generally recognized that the crystallization of many calcium phosphates involves the formation of metastable precursor phases that subsequently dissolve as the precipitation reactions proceed. Thus, complex intermediate phases can participate in the crystallization process. Moreover, the in vivo presence of small peptides, proteins, and inorganic additives other than calcium and phosphate has a considerable influence on crystallization, making it difficult to predict the possible phases that may form.3 Studies of apatite mineral formation are complicated by the possibility of forming several calcium phosphate phases. The least soluble, hydroxyapatite (HAP), is preferentially formed under neutral or basic conditions. In more acidic solutions, phases such as brushite (DCPD) and octacalcium phosphate (OCP) are often encountered. Even under ideal HAP precipitation conditions, the precipitates are generally nonstoichiometric, suggesting the formation of calcium-deficient apatites. Both DCPD and OCP have been implicated as possible precursors to the formation of apatite. This may occur by the initial precipitation of DCPD and/or OCP followed by transformation to a more apatitic phase. Although DCPD and OCP are often detected during in vitro crystallization, in vivo studies of bone formation rarely show the presence of these acidic calcium phosphate phases. In the latter case, the situation is more complicated, since a large number of ions and molecules are present that can be incorporated into the crystal lattice or adsorbed at the crystallite surfaces. In biological apatite, DCPD and OCP are usually detected only during pathological calcification, where the pH is often relatively low. In normal in vivo calcifications, these phases have not been found, suggesting the involvement of other precursors or the formation of an initial amorphous calcium phosphate phase (ACP) followed by transformation to apatite. Table 1 Ca/P Molar Ratios, Chemical Formulas, and Solubilitiesa of Some Calcium Orthophosphate Minerals1,3,4 Table 2 Crystallographic Data of Calcium Orthophosphates1,4,5 In this review, we will discuss some important parameters related to crystal nucleation and growth/dissolution including the supersaturation/undersaturation, pH, ionic strength and the ratio of calcium to phosphate activities (Table 3). We then focus on the dynamics of crystallization/dissolution in the presence of additive molecules pertinent to biogenic calcium phosphate minerals. Table 3 Crystal Growth Controls and Their Effect on the Bulk Solution and the Crystal Surfaces6 2. Biologically Related Calcium Phosphate Phases 2.1. Structure, Composition, and Phase Stability 2.1.1. Amorphous Calcium Phosphate (ACP) During the synthesis of HAP crystals through the interaction of calcium and phosphate ions in neutral to basic solution, a precursor amorphous phase is formed that is structurally and chemically distinct from HAP.7 However, calculations have shown that the phase consisted of individual or groups of HAP unit cells.8 Chemical analysis of the precursor phase indicated this noncrystalline phase to be a hydrated calcium phosphate (Ca3(PO4)2 · xH2O) with a Ca/P ratio 1.50,8 consisting of roughly spherical Ca9(PO4)6 “Posner’s clusters” (PC) close-packed to form larger spherical particles with water in the interstices.9 PCs appeared to be energetically favored in comparison to alternative candidates including Ca3(PO4)2 and Ca6(PO4)4 clusters.10 The structure of PCs in isolated form is notably different from that in a HAP environment.11 In particular, the chirality feature of PCs found in the HAP environment is suggested to disappear in an isolated form and in aqueous solution. The reconsideration of PCs as possible components in the actual structural model of ACP resulted from the cluster growth model of the HAP crystal.12 Ab initio calculations confirmed that stable isomers exist on the [Ca3(PO4)2]3 potential energy surface (PES).12,13 These isomers correspond to compact arrangements, i.e., arrangements in which the Ca and PO4 are disposed closely together. Their geometries are compatible with the terms “roughly spherical” used in Posner’s hypothesis. The calculations performed on the monomer and dimer PES revealed that the relative energies of the different isomers are governed by a specific bonding pattern in which a calcium atom interacts with two PO43− groups, forming four CaO bonds.12,13 The compact isomers on the trimer PES are energetically favored in comparison to monomer or dimer isomers. This is rationalized by the appearance of a specific bonding pattern for the trimer case in which a calcium forms six CaO bonds with six different PO4 groups. This type of bonding in encountered in HAP.13 It is now generally agreed that, both in vitro and in vivo, precipitation reactions at sufficiently high supersaturation and pH result in the initial formation of an amorphous calcium phosphate with a molar calcium/phosphate ratio of about 1.18–2.50. The chemical composition of ACP is strongly dependent on the solution pH: ACP phases with Ca/P ratios in the range of 1.18:1 precipitated at pH 6.6 to 1.53:1 at pH 11.7 and even as high as 2.5:1.4 Two amorphous calcium phosphates, ACP1 and ACP2, have been reported with the same composition, but differing in morphology and solubility.14,15 The formation of ACP precipitate with little long-range order tends to consist of aggregates of primary nuclei (roughly spherical clusters) with composition Ca9(PO4)65 dependent on the conditions of formation. It hydrolyzes almost instantaneously to more stable phases. These amorphous clusters served as seeds during HAP crystallization via a stepwise assembly process12 and were presumed to pack randomly with respect to each other,16 forming large 300–800 A spheres. Recent experimental studies found that ACP has definite local atomic microcrystalline order rather than a random network structure. NMR of thoroughly dried ACP suggests that the tightly held water resides in the interstices between clusters,17 but these are probably not of intrinsic importance in the structure of ACP. It is well-known that ACP contains 10–20% by weight of tightly bound water, which is removed by vacuum drying at elevated temperature.9 However, drying does not alter the calcium and phosphorus atomic arrangement. The side band intensities of dried ACP suggest that its chemical shift anisotropy is similar to or identical with that of normal ACP.17 ACP has an apatitic short-range structure, but with a crystal size so small that it appears to be amorphous by X-ray analysis. This is supported by extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) on biogenic and synthetic ACP samples.18–20 The CaP amorphous phase transforms to HAP microcrystalline in the presence of water. The lifetime of the metastable amorphous precursor in aqueous solution was reported to be a function of the presence of additive molecules and ions, pH, ionic strength, and temperature.21 The transformation kinetics from ACP to HAP, which can be described by a ”first-order” rate law, is a function only of the pH of the mediating solution at constant temperature. The solution-mediated transformation depends upon the conditions which regulate both the dissolution of ACP and the formation of the early HAP nuclei.22 Tropp et al. used 31P NMR to demonstrate that the strength of ACP side bands is due to a characteristic structural distortion of unprotonated phosphate and not to a mixture of protonated and unprotonated phosphates,17 suggesting that ACP could contain substantial amounts of protonated phosphate not in the form of any known phase of calcium phosphate crystals. Yin and Stott suggested that, in the transformation from ACP to HAP, ACP need only dissociate into clusters rather than undergo complete ionic solvation. The cluster with C1 symmetry is the most stable isomer in vacuum. The interaction of Posner’s cluster with sodium ions and especially with protons leads to a considerable stability increase, and surprisingly, the cluster with six protons and six OH− recovers the C3 symmetry and similar atomic arrangement that it has as a structural unit in the HAP crystal. This may be a key factor in the transformation from ACP to HAP crystal.23 In general, ACP is a highly unstable phase that hydrolyzes almost instantaneously to more stable phases. In the presence of other ions and macromolecules or under in vivo conditions, ACP may persist for appreciable periods3 and retain the amporphous state under some specific experimental conditions.24

Crystals as Molecules: Postsynthesis Covalent Functionalization of Zeolitic Imidazolate Frameworks

Abstract: A new crystalline zeolitic imidazolate framework, ZIF-90, was prepared from zinc(II) nitrate and imidazolate-2-carboxyaldehyde (ICA) and found to have the sodalite-type topology. Its 3D porous framework has an aperture of 3.5 A and a pore size of 11.2 A. The pores are decorated by the aldehyde functionality of ICA which has allowed its transformation to the alcohol functionality by reduction with NaBH4 and its conversion to imine functionality by reaction with ethanolamine to give ZIF-91 and ZIF-92, respectively. The N2 adsorption isotherm of ZIF-90 shows a highly porous material with calculated Langmuir and BET surface areas of 1320 and 1270 m2 g−1. Both functionalized ZIFs retained high crystallinity and in addition ZIF-91 maintained permanent porosity (surface areas: 1070 and 1010 m2 g−1).

Phosphorylated proteins and control over apatite nucleation, crystal growth, and inhibition.

Abstract: Living organisms are capable of inducing the crystallization and deposition of a wide variety of minerals1 but the vertebrates mainly utilize the calcium phosphates in constructing their mineral phases in both normal circumstances in bone, dentin and tooth enamel and in pathological ectopic mineral deposits. The predominant form of the mineral in all situations is as carbonated apatite. However, the extent of mineralization in a particular tissue or organ is quite variable and crystallite size, crystal shape, and the packing and organization of the mineral crystals may also be variable. It is clear that the same physical chemical principles must apply to all, but it is equally clear that the organism must tightly regulate the local environment where the mineral is formed. This is an intrinsically complex problem because the mineral crystals of bone and dentin form in the extracellular matrix, external to the cells which are the ultimate regulators of the process. Years of study of this complex set of problems has led to the general consensus that the cell-controlled processes of mineralization begin with the manufacture of an organic structure within which, or a compartment surface upon which, the mineral crystals may be initiated. The cells secrete and organize macromolecular structures which determine the ultimate character and orientations of the crystals subsequently initiated and grown, but in general, these structures do not themselves have the capacity to initiate mineralization. The incipient crystal nucleation event depends upon the interaction of the structural macromolecules with another set of secreted interactive macromolecules which locate specifically on the structural framework. These interactive molecules are doubly interactive, binding specifically to the framework on the one hand, and attracting the requisite mineral ions on the other to initiate the mineral ion clustering to a critical size that nucleates crystal growth. The biological fluids are supersaturated in mineral ion content with respect to the solubility of their biogenic mineral crystal phase, but unrestricted and uncontrolled crystal growth are not permissible in the vertebrate animal so there is a third line of macromolecular components interactive with the growing crystal surfaces that can limit growth rates, and do so selectively, controlling the crystal shape as well as size. A final component of the regulation is the availability of the crystal microions, pumped in controlled fashion from the cell into the extracellular matrix. The situation is shown schematically in Figure 1, wherein the solid, heavy arrows trace the construction of the structural matrix (a), the addition of the interactive macromolecules that activate the structural matrix (b) to bind the mineral ions (c), leading to growth of the oriented crystals (d), and finally, the addition of further macromolecules (e) to shape and delimit the crystal size to attain the mature mineralized matrix form. Note that in this paragraph, and in Figure 1 the nature of the macromolecules and mineral phase has not been specified. This is intentional to emphasize the point that in the majority of mineralizing tissues in animal systems the same overall scheme of events is likely to apply, although the structural scaffolds and mineral types can vary greatly. Figure 1 A proposed generalized scheme for matrix-regulated mineralization reactions. Modified and reprinted with permission from Reference 280 [Veis, Reviews in Mineralogy & Geochemistry, V. 54]. Copyright 2003 Mineralogical Society of America. The calcium and phosphate ion product (Ca × P) in the extracellular fluids (ECF) of the vertebrates are greater than the solubility products of most crystalline forms of calcium phosphate, with hydroxylapatite (HA) being the major least soluble form of calcium phosphate. Hence, HA would precipitate spontaneously if it were not for the inhibition of crystal formation by the reduction of the activity of these ions, and their sequestration, by various macromolecular components. Thus, the ECF proteins in Ca-rich milk and blood, for example, play important roles as inhibitors of apatite precipitation. The initial form of the Ca – P solid phase deposits in vitro have been shown to be disordered and exhibit a diffuse X-ray diffraction pattern, indicating that initially only a very short range ordering of calcium and phosphate ions relative to each other takes place, producing a structure called “amorphous calcium phosphate” (ACP) 2,3,4. Depending upon the conditions of temperature, pH, and ion concentrations, the solid phase may grow through a variety of forms from the ACP to (in order of decreasing solubility) brushite [CaHPO4·2H2O], whitlockite [Ca3(PO4)2 ·3H20], octacalcium phosphate [Ca8H2(PO4)6·5H2O], and hydroxyapatite [Ca10(PO4)6(OH)2]. In bone, dentin, cementum and enamel, in vivo, where the nucleation process and the final crystal composition are determined by the local environment created by the combination of the collagen or amelogenin structural matrix and particular NCP components, it is evident that the transition from ion aggregate to crystalline form is tightly regulated. A question of great importance for those interested in development of biomimetic models of bone is how the NCP might template the desired crystal forms. The principal focus of this review, however, will be on the influence of the phosphoproteins of the matrix on the formation and growth of crystals in two systems: the small, plate-like crystals and crystal aggregates of carbonated apatite found in bone, dentin and cementum; and the large, high axial ratio rod-like crystal aggregates found in dental enamel. As pointed out many years ago5, the dentin and enamel are formed in apposition to each other and provide direct contrasts between the nature of the compartments created by the cells, the structural matrices produced, and the extracellular matrix macromolecules that control the nucleation, growth and structure of their carbonated apatite mineral phases. Here we consider these two systems separately.

Two-way reversible shape memory in a semicrystalline network

Abstract: Cooling-induced crystallization of cross-linked poly(cyclooctene) films under a tensile load results in significant elongation and subsequent heating to melt the network reverses this elongation (contracting), yielding a net two-way shape memory (2W-SM) effect. The influence of cross-linking density on the thermal transitions, mechanical properties, and the related 2W-SM effect was studied by varying the concentration of cross-linking agent dicumyl peroxide (DCP) and using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), gel fraction measurements, dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), and customized 2W-SM analysis. The latter showed that there is crystallization-induced elongation on cooling and melting-induced shrinkage on heating (2W-SM), with lower cross-link density leading to higher elongation at the same applied stress. For a given cross-link density, however, increasing the tensile stress applied during cooling resulted in greater stress-induced crystallization. We further observed that the onset temperatures...

Microscopic origin of the fast crystallization ability of Ge–Sb–Te phase-change memory materials

Abstract: Ge-Sb-Te materials are used in optical DVDs and non-volatile electronic memories (phase-change random-access memory). In both, data storage is effected by fast, reversible phase changes between crystalline and amorphous states. Despite much experimental and theoretical effort to understand the phase-change mechanism, the detailed atomistic changes involved are still unknown. Here, we describe for the first time how the entire write/erase cycle for the Ge(2)Sb(2)Te(5) composition can be reproduced using ab initio molecular-dynamics simulations. Deep insight is gained into the phase-change process; very high densities of connected square rings, characteristic of the metastable rocksalt structure, form during melt cooling and are also quenched into the amorphous phase. Their presence strongly facilitates the homogeneous crystal nucleation of Ge(2)Sb(2)Te(5). As this simulation procedure is general, the microscopic insight provided on crystal nucleation should open up new ways to develop superior phase-change memory materials, for example, faster nucleation, different compositions, doping levels and so on.

A Crystalline Mesoporous Coordination Copolymer with High Microporosity

Abstract: Porous crystals constructed from the assembly of organic linking units with metal ions or metal clusters are proving to be an exciting class of materials with unprecedented properties and high potential for use in applications such as catalysis, gas storage, and separations. The underlying structure obtained from a given secondary building unit (SBU) with a multitopic ligand can be analyzed, at least with hindsight, as belonging to various nets. In some cases this approach has led to well-defined series with preserved topologies whose members vary in metrics or functionalities. At the same time, it is clear that even a single linker with a given metal under the same reaction conditions can give rise to considerable structural diversity, as is illustrated by our recent application of polymer-induced heteronucleation to the discovery of three new phases based on the simple terephthalic acid linker/zinc nitrate system. Perhaps one lesson to be learned is that there is currently no single structure-predicting design scheme but rather sets of empirically derived default behaviors that can often be used to rationalize the outcome of an experiment. In the case of employing two different linkers possessing the same coordinating functionality, experimental data are lacking, and there is no basis for answering even the most basic question of phase composition. In broad terms we can expect two different behaviors in a crystalline mixed-linker coordination polymer. The default behavior for two components combined and allowed to crystallize is segregation; this behavior forms the basis of purification by crystallization. By contrast, the default behavior when monomers of similar reactivity are combined is random copolymerization. Therefore, it is interesting to contemplate whether in a porous crystal in which strong bonds reversibly assemble the framework, copolymerization patterns will dominate or if self-sorting crystallization will prevail. The former would represent an expeditious route to discover new porous solids. To investigate this question we undertook the synthesis of porous crystals based on two organic linkers of different topologies, namely, terephthalic acid (H2BDC) and 1,3,5-tris(4-carboxyphenyl)benzene (H3BTB). H2BDC is the organic linker that, when combined with Zn, yields MOF-5, a stable cubic structure that is the best studied of the metal–organic frameworks. Using H3BTB under essentially identical synthetic conditions affords MOF177. This trigonal framework exhibits exceptional porosity and surface area and boasts the highest reported uptake of hydrogen gas in a physisorptive material. Combining H2BDC with H3BTB, two ligands possessing aryl carboxylic acid coordinating groups, in the presence of zinc nitrate incorporates both components into a completely new type of structure that can be obtained to the exclusion of materials derived from either pure linker. Figure 1 illustrates the porous crystals produced by heating various ratios of H2BDC and H3BTB in the presence of excess Zn(NO3)2·4H2O at 85 8C for 2 days. Three distinct crystalline phases are observed as the mole fraction of H3BTB is increased. At low H3BTB concentrations, only MOF-5 crystals are formed; however, at a mole ratio of 4:1 (H2BDC:H3BTB), a new needle-shaped phase is formed along with MOF-5. Increasing the H3BTB concentration leads to exclusive formation of the needleshaped phase, which according to powder X-ray diffraction (XRD) data is different from MOF-5 and MOF-177 (Figure S4 in the Supporting Information). A further increase of the H3BTB concentration results in MOF-177 forming as well. Finally, at H2BDC:H3BTB mole ratios greater than or equal to 2:3, MOF-177 is the first product to crystallize out of solution. A single-crystal X-ray diffraction study of the needleshaped crystals revealed a structure with one-dimensional hexagonal channels. The product crystallizes in the space group P63m and dramatically differs from the structures derived from the pure linkers. The framework of the material consists of Zn4O clusters linked together by two BDC and four BTB linkers arranged in an octahedral geometry (Figure 2a). Two BDC linkers are adjacent, leaving the other four positions occupied by BTB linkers, and these octahedra assemble into a structure containing both micropores and mesopores. This product is denoted as UMCM-1 (University of Michigan Crystalline Material-1). The micropores are found in cage-like structures constructed from six BDC linkers, five BTB linkers, and nine Zn4O clusters, and with an internal dimension of approximately 1.4 nm@1.7 nm (subtracting the van der Waals radii of the atoms, Figure 2b). Six such microporous cages assemble together in an edgesharing fashion to define the diameter of the mesopore, a 1D hexagonal channel 2.7 nm@ 3.2 nm (measured between pore walls, Figure 2c). When van der Waals radii of the atoms are taken into account, the mesopore is 2.4 nm@ 2.9 nm. Comparison of the bulk powder XRD pattern to that simulated [*] Dr. K. Koh, Dr. A. G. Wong-Foy, Prof. A. J. Matzger Department of Chemistry and the Macromolecular Science and Engineering Program University of Michigan 930 North University Ave, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1055 (USA) Fax: (+1)734-6715-8853 E-mail: matzger@umich.edu

Emergence of a single solid chiral state from a nearly racemic amino acid derivative.

Abstract: The evolution of a single chiral solid state is reported for an amino acid derivative starting from a nearly racemic mixture of solid left- and right-handed crystals Attrition-enhanced dissolution and recrystallization processes based on solubility considerations of the Gibbs−Thomson rule, coupled with solution-phase racemization, drive this near-equilibrium system inexorably to single chirality in the solid phase

Protein crystallization: from purified protein to diffraction-quality crystal

Abstract: Determining the structure of biological macromolecules by X-ray crystallography involves a series of steps: selection of the target molecule; cloning, expression, purification and crystallization; collection of diffraction data and determination of atomic positions. However, even when pure soluble protein is available, producing high-quality crystals remains a major bottleneck in structure determination. Here we present a guide for the non-expert to screen for appropriate crystallization conditions and optimize diffraction-quality crystal growth.

Mesocrystals and nonclassical crystallization

Abstract: Preface. 1. Mesocrystals and Nonclassical Crystallization. 2. Physico-Chemical Principles of Crystallization. 3. Examples of Crystals Challenging the Classical Textbook Mechanism. 4. Nonclassical Crystallization. 5. Self-Assembly and Self-Organization. 6. Colloidal Crystals with Spherical Units: Opals and Colloidal Nanocrystals. 7. Mesocrystal Systems. 8. Mechanism of Mesocrystal Formation. 9. Analysis of Mesocrystals. 10. Tuning of Properties. 11. A Unifying Crystallization Mechanism. 12. Analogy between Oriented Attachment or Hierarchically Structured Crystals and Polymers. 13. Summary and Outlook. Index.

Matching glass-forming ability with the density of the amorphous phase.

Abstract: The density of the amorphous phase of metals is generally thought to be related to glass formation, but this correlation has not been demonstrated experimentally to date. In this work, systematic deflection measurements using microcantilevers and a combinatorial deposition method show a correlation between glass-forming ability and the density change upon crystallization over a broad compositional range in the copper-zirconium binary system. Distinct peaks in the density of the amorphous phase were found to correlate with specific maxima in the critical thickness for glass formation. Our findings provide quantitative data for the development of structural models of liquids that are readily quenched to the amorphous state. The experimental method developed in this work can facilitate the search for new glass-forming alloys.

Homochiral Crystallization of Microporous Framework Materials from Achiral Precursors by Chiral Catalysis

Abstract: While it is not uncommon to form chiral crystals during crystallization, the formation of bulk porous homochiral materials from achiral building units is rare. Reported here is the homochiral crystallization of microporous materials through the chirality induction effect of natural alkaloids. The resulting material possesses permanent microporosity and has a uniform pore size of 9.3 A.

Applying hot-stage microscopy to co-crystal screening: a study of nicotinamide with seven active pharmaceutical ingredients

Abstract: Co-crystal screening is routinely undertaken using high-throughput solution growth. We report a low- to medium-throughput approach, encompassing both a melt and solution crystallization step as a route to the identification of co-crystals. Prior to solution studies, a melt growth step was included utilizing the Kofler mixed fusion method. This method allowed elucidation of the thermodynamic landscape within the binary phase diagram and was found to increase overall screening efficiency. The pharmaceutically acceptable adduct nicotinamide was selected and screened against a small set of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) (ibuprofen (both the racemic compound (R/S) and S-enantiomer), fenbufen, flurbiprofen (R/S), ketoprofen (R/S), paracetamol, piracetam, and salicylic acid) as part of a larger systematic study of synthon stability. From the screen, three new co-crystal systems have been identified (ibuprofen (R/S and S) and salicylic acid) and their crystal structures determined. Because of poor crystal growth synchrotron radiation was required for structure solution of the S-ibuprofen nicotinamide co-crystal. Two further potential systems have also been discovered (fenbufen and flurbiprofen), but crystals suitable for structure determination have yet to be obtained. A greater ability to control crystallization kinetics is required to yield phase-pure single-crystalline material for full verification of this crystal engineering strategy.

Crystal Shape Engineering

Abstract: In an industrial crystallization process, crystal shape strongly influences end-product quality and functionality, as well as downstream processing. In addition, nucleation events, solvent effects, and polymorph selection play critical roles in both the design and operation of a crystallization plant and the patentability of the product and process. Therefore, investigation of these issues, with respect to a priori prediction, is (and will continue to be) an important avenue of research. In this review, we discuss the state-of-the-art in modeling crystallization processes over a range of length scales relevant to nucleation through process design. We also identify opportunities for continued research and specific areas where significant advancements are needed.

Synthesis, crystallization mechanism, and catalytic properties of titanium-rich TS-1 free of extraframework titanium species.

Abstract: A new route to the synthesis of TS-1 has been developed using (NH4)2CO3 as a crystallization-mediating agent. In this way, the framework Ti content can be significantly increased without forming extraframework Ti species. The prepared catalyst had a Si/Ti ratio as low as 34 in contrast to the ratio of 58 achieved with the methods A and B established by the Enichem group (Clerici, M. G.; Bellussi, G.; Romano, U. J. Catal. 1991, 129, 159) and Thangaraj and Sivasanker (Thangaraj, A.; Sivasanker, S. J. Chem. Soc., Chem. Commun. 1992, 123), respectively. The material contained less defect sites than the samples synthesized by the other two methods. As a result, it showed much higher activity for the oxidation of various organic substrates, such as linear alkanes/alkenes and alcohols, styrene, and benzene. The crystallization mechanism of TS-1 in the presence of (NH4)2CO3 was studied by following the whole crystallization process with X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), thermogravimetry/differential thermal analysis (TG/DTA), inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry (ICP), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), diffuse reflectance UV-vis spectroscopy, and (29)Si MAS (magic-angle spinning) NMR spectroscopy techniques. It was shown that the presence of (NH4)2CO3 not only drastically lowered down pH, slowing down the crystallization process and making the incorporation of Ti into the framework match well with nucleation and crystal growth, but also modified the crystallization mechanism. It seems that the solid-phase transformation mechanism predominated in the crystallization process initiated by dissociation, reorganization, and recoalescence of the solidified gel although a small amount of nongelatinated Ti shifted to the solid during the crystal growth period. In contrast, a typical homogeneous nucleation mechanism occurred in the method A system. Thus, although in the method A system most of Ti cations was inserted into the lattice after the crystallization was nearly completed, the inclusion of Ti started at the earlier nucleation period in the presence of (NH4)2CO3. This is favorable for the incorporation of Ti into the framework, resulting in a more homogeneous distribution of Ti in the framework. Oxidation of 1-hexene and 2-hexanol over the samples collected during the whole crystallization process indicated that condensation of Ti-OH and Si-OH proceeded even after the crystallization was completed. This resulted in an increase in hydrophobicity and an overall improvement in microscopic character of Ti species and consequently a great increase in the catalytic activity with further progress of crystallization.

Solid state amorphization of pharmaceuticals.

Abstract: Amorphous solids are conventionally formed by supercooling liquids or by concentrating noncrystallizing solutes (spray-drying and freeze-drying). However, a lot of pharmaceutical processes may also directly convert compounds from crystal to noncrystal which may have desired or undesired consequences for their stability. The purpose of this short review paper is (i) to illustrate the possibility to amorphize one compound by several different routes (supercooling, dehydration of hydrate, milling, annealing of metastable crystalline forms), (ii) to examine factors that favor crystal to glass rather than crystal to crystal transformations, (iii) to discuss the role of possible amorphous intermediates in solid−solid conversions induced by milling, (iv) to address the issue of chemical stability in the course of solid state amorphization, (v) to discuss the nature of the amorphous state obtained by the nonconventional routes, (vi) to show the effect of milling conditions on glasses properties, and (vii) to atte...

Control of viscosity in starch and polysaccharide solutions with ultrasound after gelatinization

Abstract: Application of power ultrasound has immense potential for a wide variety of processes in the food industry which include sterilization, emulsification, extraction, crystallization, degassing, filtration, drying, and more. Controlling the viscosity of starch (polysaccharide) solutions is one of the most promising processes to be developed. Power ultrasound can effectively decrease the viscosity of starch solutions after gelatinization. At the high starch concentrations (20–30%), starch gel can be liquidized by sonication. The viscosity of the starch solution of moderate concentration (5–10%) can be reduced about two orders of magnitude to 100 mPa·s by the ultrasonic irradiation for 30 min. The treated solution can be efficiently powdered by a spray-dryer after the sonication. The effectiveness of the ultrasonic process has been evaluated by measuring the changes in viscosity. Granule disintegration was determined using a method which measures the swelling power of starch. Change in molecular weight of the starch was monitored by gel permeation chromatography and a static light scattering method. The depolymerization process of the starch has been also monitored by NMR spectroscopy. The elucidated merits of the ultrasonic process are: 1) the process does not require any chemicals and additives; 2) the process can be simple and rapid, which means that the process is cost effective; and 3) the process will not induce large changes in the chemical structure and in particular, the properties of starches. The ultrasonic process has been confirmed to be applicable for many kinds of starches (corn, potato, tapioca, and sweet potato) and polysaccharides. Industrial relevance Starches and a variety of polysaccharides are used in a multitude of applications throughout the food industry. Ultrasonically assisted modification of their chemical and physical characters is an important process and has commercial potential. In this paper, the changes in their viscosity, molecular weight, and the NMR spectra have been measured to evaluate the effectiveness of the ultrasonic process for the depolymerization and the viscosity control of the starch and polysaccharide solutions after gelatinization.

Nucleation and crystal growth in supersaturated solutions of a model drug.

Abstract: The crystallization process in aqueous solutions of the drug bicalutamide and the effect of the polymer polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) have been studied. Results showed that PVP decreased the crystallization rate significantly in a system with PVP concentrations as low as 0.01% (w/w), without changing the polymorph formed. The crystal habit was altered already at PVP concentrations as low as 0.001% (w/w). Measurements made with self-diffusion NMR indicated that the decrease in crystallization rate was not because of a reduced supersaturation due to bicalutamide binding to PVP in solution. Furthermore, in experiments designed to specifically study crystal nucleation, the same nucleation rate was found in the absence and presence of PVP. Instead, PVP adsorbs to the crystals formed in solution and by doing so, the crystal growth rate is reduced. This was confirmed in separate experiments using bicalutamide nanocrystals. By combining theories describing classical nucleation and crystal growth, with some modifications, a consistent description of several independent experiments performed in polymer-free systems was obtained. From these experiments a crystal-water interfacial tension of 22.1 mN/m was extracted. We also analyze the interfacial tension of other crystalline organic solids and find that it varies approximately as the logarithm of the solubility. This finding is discussed within the framework of the Bragg-Williams regular solution theory where we also compare with the tension of liquid alkanes.

X-ray Structure of Snow Flea Antifreeze Protein Determined by Racemic Crystallization of Synthetic Protein Enantiomers

Abstract: Chemical protein synthesis and racemic protein crystallization were used to determine the X-ray structure of the snow flea antifreeze protein (sfAFP). Crystal formation from a racemic solution containing equal amounts of the chemically synthesized proteins d-sfAFP and l-sfAFP occurred much more readily than for l-sfAFP alone. More facile crystal formation also occurred from a quasi-racemic mixture of d-sfAFP and l-Se-sfAFP, a chemical protein analogue that contains an additional -SeCH2- moiety at one residue and thus differs slightly from the true enantiomer. Multiple wavelength anomalous dispersion (MAD) phasing from quasi-racemate crystals was then used to determine the X-ray structure of the sfAFP protein molecule. The resulting model was used to solve by molecular replacement the X-ray structure of l-sfAFP to a resolution of 0.98 A. The l-sfAFP molecule is made up of six antiparallel left-handed PPII helixes, stacked in two sets of three, to form a compact brick-like structure with one hydrophilic fac...

Visible light responsive pristine metal oxide photocatalyst: enhancement of activity by crystallization under hydrothermal treatment.

Abstract: Photocatalytic activities of amorphous and crystal bismuth tungstate (Bi2WO6) were investigated using oxidative decomposition of gaseous acetaldehyde under visible light irradiation (>400 nm). Here, for the first time, negligible photocatalytic activity of amorphous Bi2WO6 owing to the fast recombination of electron−hole pairs and the high quantum efficiency of Bi2WO6 crystallites under visible light were demonstrated by action spectrum analysis and time-resolved infrared absorption measurements. Crystallization of the amorphous phase provided a red shift of the photoabsorption edge and marked increase in the lifetime of photoexcited electrons, resulting in an increase of photocatalytic activity.

Salt crystallization during evaporation: impact of interfacial properties.

Abstract: Salt damage in stone results in part from crystallization of salts during drying. We study the evaporation of aqueous salt solutions and the crystallization growth for sodium sulfate and sodium chloride in model situations: evaporating droplets and evaporation from square capillaries. The results show that the interfacial properties are of key importance for where and how the crystals form. The consequences for the different forms of salt crystallization observed in practice are discussed.

Effect of crystallization temperature on crystal modifications and crystallization kinetics of poly(L-lactide)

Abstract: The crystalline structure of poly(L-lactide) (PLLA) have been found to quite depend on the crystallization temperatures (Tcs), especially in the range of 100−120°C, which is usually used as the crystallization temperature for the industrial process of PLLA. The analysis of wide-angle X-ray diffraction and Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy revealed that 110°C is a critical temperature for PLLA crystallization. At Tc < 110°C and Tc ≥ 110°C, the α′ and α crystals were mainly produced, respectively. Besides, the structural feature of the α′-form was illustrated, and it was found that the α′-form has the larger unit cell dimension than that of the α-form. Moreover, the crystallization kinetics of the α′ and α crystals are different, resulting in the discontinuousness of the curves of spherulite radius growth rate (G) versus Tc and the half time in the melt-crystallization (t1/2) versus Tc investigated by Polarized optical microscope and Differential scanning calorimetry, respectively. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008

Crystallization of Mesoporous Metal Oxides

Abstract: Crystallization of an amorphous inorganic network of mesoporous metal oxides is achieved while maintaining the original ordered mesoporous structure. The methodology utilizes reinforcement (carbon or silica) to strengthen the periodic structure so that the original ordered mesoporous structure is preserved during thermal treatment for crystallization. The reinforcement is removed after crystallization to provide crystalline mesoporous metal oxide with the original ordered structure. Enhancement of photocatalytic activity for the total decomposition of water over mesoporous Ta2O5 after crystallization is shown as an example of the advantages of crystalline mesoporous metal oxides.