New Perspectives On Mineral Nucleation And Growth

In the last decade, numerous studies have demonstrated the existence of alternative pathways to nucleation and crystallisation that oppose the classical view. Such proposed scenarios include multistage reactions proceeding via various precursor species and/or intermediate phases. The aim of this book is to review and discuss these recent advances in our understanding of the early stages of mineralisation through a series of contributions that address both experimental and theoretical studies about the formation and nature of initial precursor species (e.g., prenucleation clusters, dense liquid phases, amorphous nanoparticles, etc.) as well as their transformations leading to the stable mineral phase. Several chapters are devoted to cutting-edge analytical techniques used for investigating the above processes in situ, in real time and at conditions relevant to both natural and industrial processes. At the end of the book, the editors summarize the key questions that still need to be addressed in order to establish a complete picture of the nucleation and growth processes involved during the formation of minerals

This book is a printed edition of the Special Issue "Nucleation of Minerals: Precursors, Intermediates and Their Use in Materials Chemistry" that was published in Minerals

The intention of the Special Issue "Biological and Biogenic Crystallization" was to create an international platform aimed at covering a broad field of results involving the crystallization of biological molecules, including virus and protein crystallization, biogenic crystallization including physiological and pathological crystallization taking place in living organisms (human beings, animals, plants, bacteria, etc.), and bio-inspired crystallization. Despite many years of research on biological and biogenic crystals, there are still open questions as well as hot and timely topics. This Special Issue contains seven articles that present a cross-section of the current research activities in the of field of biological and biogenic crystals. The authors of the presented articles prove the vibrant and topical nature of this field. We hope that this Special Issue will serve as a source of inspiration for future investigations, and will be useful for scientists and researchers who work on the exploration of biological and biogenic crystals.

In this volume, contributions covering the theoretical and practical aspects of multicomponent crystals provide a timely and contemporary overview of the state-of-the art of this vital aspect of crystal engineering/materials science. With a solid foundation in fundamentals, multi-component crystals can be formed, for example, to enhance pharmaceutical properties of drugs, for the specific control of optical responses to external stimuli and to assemble molecules to allow chemical reactions that are generally intractable following conventional methods. Contents Pharmaceutical co-crystals: crystal engineering and applications Pharmaceutical multi-component crystals: improving the efficacy of anti-tuberculous agents Qualitative and quantitative crystal engineering of multi-functional co-crystals Control of photochromism in N-salicylideneaniline by crystal engineering Quinoline derivatives for multi-component crystals: principles and applications N-oxides in multi-component crystals and in bottom-up synthesis and applications Multi-component crystals and non-ambient conditions Co-crystals for solid-state reactivity and thermal expansion Solution co-crystallisation and its applications The salt-co-crystal continuum in halogen-bonded systems Large horizontal displacements of benzene-benzene stacking interactions in co-crystals Simultaneous halogen and hydrogen bonding to carbonyl and thiocarbonylfunctionality Crystal chemistry of the isomeric N,N’-bis(pyridin-n-ylmethyl)-ethanediamides, n = 2, 3 or 4 Solute・solvent interactions mediated by main group element (lone-pair)・・・π(aryl) interactions

Synthetic Inorganic Chemistry: New Perspectives presents summaries of the work of some of the most creative researchers in the field. The book highlights the most novel approaches and burgeoning applications of synthetic inorganic chemistry in development. Topics include non-precious metals in catalysis, smart inorganic polymers, new inorganic therapeutics, new photocatalysts for hydrogen production, and more. As the first volume in the Developments in Inorganic Chemistry series, this work is a valuable resource for students and researchers working in inorganic chemistry and material science. Illustrates the scope and vitality of modern synthetic inorganic chemistry Shows the centrality of inorganic chemistry, addressing a variety of global challenges Serves to define the current, important and expanding roles of synthetic inorganic chemistry in interdisciplinary areas such as materials science, synthetic organic chemistry, homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysis

This most comprehensive and unrivaled compendium in the field provides an up-to-date account of the chemistry of solids, nanoparticles and hybrid materials. Following a valuable introductory chapter reviewing important synthesis techniques, the handbook presents a series of contributions by about 150 international leading experts -- the "Who's Who" of solid state science. Clearly structured, in six volumes it collates the knowledge available on solid state chemistry, starting from the synthesis, and modern methods of structure determination. Understanding and measuring the physical properties of bulk solids and the theoretical basis of modern computational treatments of solids are given ample space, as are such modern trends as nanoparticles, surface properties and heterogeneous catalysis. Emphasis is placed throughout not only on the design and structure of solids but also on practical applications of these novel materials in real chemical situations.

This book explains how microorganisms play a pivotal role in the formation of biominerals, including carbonates, silicate minerals and oxides. As readers will learn, these minerals may be produced either intracellularly or extracellularly in order to sustain microbial life. Experienced scientists from the field show that some of these biominerals can be produced in an active form, which involves direct enzymatic intervention to form precipitates. In addition, passive mineral formation can be mediated by the presence of dead cells. Readers from Microbiology and Biochemistry will appreciate the thorough coverage on various types of microbial mineral formation and their roles in microbial domains. Furthermore, they will benefit from the authors’ first-hand knowledge regarding common techniques for studying biomineral-producing microorganisms, factors affecting biomineralization, and the use of this process in biotechnological applications.

Nanostructured oxide materials - ultra-thin films, nanoparticles and other nanometer-scale objects - play prominent roles in many aspects of our every-day life, in nature and in technological applications, among which is the all-oxide electronics of tomorrow. Due to their reduced dimensions and dimensionality, they strongly interact with their environment: gaseous atmosphere, water or support. Their novel physical and chemical properties are the subject of this book, from both a fundamental and an applied perspective. Oxide Thin Films and Nanostructures reviews and illustrates the various methodologies for their growth, fabrication, experimental and theoretical characterization. The role of key parameters such as film thickness, nanoparticle size and support interactions in driving their fundamental properties is underlined. At the ultimate thickness limit, two-dimensional oxide materials are generated, whose functionalities and potential applications are described. The emerging field of cation mixing is mentioned, which opens new avenues for engineering many oxide properties, as witnessed by natural oxide nanomaterials such as clay minerals, which, beyond their role at the Earth's surface, are now widely used in a whole range of human activities. Oxide nanomaterials are involved in many interdisciplinary fields of advanced nanotechnologies. Catalysis, photocatalysis, solar energy materials, fuel cells, corrosion protection, and biotechnological applications are amongst the areas where they are making an impact. The book outlines prototypical examples. A cautious glimpse into future developments of scientific activity is finally ventured to round off the presentation.