#  Crystal Growth 

 



 ##  

  expand\_more  

 
  

 

#### Crystal Growth

Using only simple salts from the soil or water and only themselves as factories, living organisms from bacteria to sea sponges to mammals construct an endless variety of mineral architectures exquisitely patterned in 3D across the macro-, meso-, and nanoscales. Our studies have shown that inorganic crystallization is finely tuned at the molecular level by organized assemblies of proteins and cells, but the details of how this is achieved are still largely a mystery.

To uncover underlying principles we can adapt to create new designs, our group has pioneered the growth of crystals on surface-bound organic monolayers and discovered an unexpectedly rich, multilingual “conversation” that takes place between the organic layer and the growing crystal.

By deciphering the complex interplay of chemical, mechanical, and geometric information within the system, we have learned how subtle template adjustments can be used to control nearly every feature of crystallization, to generate asymmetry from symmetric components, and even to stabilize amorphous states and guide their transitions to patterned single crystalas.

Yet even these advances remain humble next to the elaborate inorganic materials small creatures build from scratch, and we are exploring template nanotopography, amorphous-polycrystalline composites, mechanical stress, patterning and other features of the organic-inorganic interface that may take part in the generation of multiscale 3D complexity.



 

##  Projects 

 



  [### Rationally designed microstructures 

 ](/rationally-designed-microstructures) 

   ![20111019edsd28a_as_smart_object-2.jpg](/sites/g/files/omnuum6296/files/styles/hwp_16_9__480x270/public/aizenberg/files/20111019edsd28a_as_smart_object-2.jpg?itok=2Cn0Epag) 

 

 

 

  [### Orientation, morphology, and patterning on self-assembled monolayers

 ](/orientation-morphology-and-patterning-self-assembled-monolayers) 

   ![samshapeandpattern.jpg](/sites/g/files/omnuum6296/files/styles/hwp_16_9__480x270/public/aizenberg/files/samshapeandpattern.jpg?itok=snDxDJOr) 

 

 

 

  [### Controlled amorphous-to-crystalline transitions

 ](/controlled-amorphous-crystalline-transitions) 

   ![amorphousstorage.jpg](/sites/g/files/omnuum6296/files/styles/hwp_16_9__480x270/public/aizenberg/files/amorphousstorage.jpg?itok=4yNEMawk) 

 

 

 

  [### 3D nanostructured templates

 ](/3d-nanostructured-templates) 

   ![polygonalrings.jpg](/sites/g/files/omnuum6296/files/styles/hwp_16_9__480x270/public/aizenberg/files/polygonalrings.jpg?itok=c2-DEjTw) 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 Publications 

## Publications

 

 

  Download 49 citations  download- [BibTeX](/bibcite/export?pager_style=standard_pager&number_of_items=15&sort_field=bibcite_year--desc&taxonomy_filters%5Bfield_hwp_c_affiliated_authors%5D&taxonomy_filters%5Bfield_hwp_c_project%5D&taxonomy_filters%5Bfield_hwp_c_publicationgroupaffi%5D&taxonomy_filters%5Bfield_hwp_c_researchtopics12%5D%5B0%5D%5Btarget_id%5D=106121&taxonomy_filters%5Bfield_hwp_c_year123456%5D&&&format=bibtex)
- [EndNote X3 XML](/bibcite/export?pager_style=standard_pager&number_of_items=15&sort_field=bibcite_year--desc&taxonomy_filters%5Bfield_hwp_c_affiliated_authors%5D&taxonomy_filters%5Bfield_hwp_c_project%5D&taxonomy_filters%5Bfield_hwp_c_publicationgroupaffi%5D&taxonomy_filters%5Bfield_hwp_c_researchtopics12%5D%5B0%5D%5Btarget_id%5D=106121&taxonomy_filters%5Bfield_hwp_c_year123456%5D&&&format=endnote8)
- [EndNote 7 XML](/bibcite/export?pager_style=standard_pager&number_of_items=15&sort_field=bibcite_year--desc&taxonomy_filters%5Bfield_hwp_c_affiliated_authors%5D&taxonomy_filters%5Bfield_hwp_c_project%5D&taxonomy_filters%5Bfield_hwp_c_publicationgroupaffi%5D&taxonomy_filters%5Bfield_hwp_c_researchtopics12%5D%5B0%5D%5Btarget_id%5D=106121&taxonomy_filters%5Bfield_hwp_c_year123456%5D&&&format=endnote7)
- [Endnote tagged](/bibcite/export?pager_style=standard_pager&number_of_items=15&sort_field=bibcite_year--desc&taxonomy_filters%5Bfield_hwp_c_affiliated_authors%5D&taxonomy_filters%5Bfield_hwp_c_project%5D&taxonomy_filters%5Bfield_hwp_c_publicationgroupaffi%5D&taxonomy_filters%5Bfield_hwp_c_researchtopics12%5D%5B0%5D%5Btarget_id%5D=106121&taxonomy_filters%5Bfield_hwp_c_year123456%5D&&&format=tagged)
- [Marc](/bibcite/export?pager_style=standard_pager&number_of_items=15&sort_field=bibcite_year--desc&taxonomy_filters%5Bfield_hwp_c_affiliated_authors%5D&taxonomy_filters%5Bfield_hwp_c_project%5D&taxonomy_filters%5Bfield_hwp_c_publicationgroupaffi%5D&taxonomy_filters%5Bfield_hwp_c_researchtopics12%5D%5B0%5D%5Btarget_id%5D=106121&taxonomy_filters%5Bfield_hwp_c_year123456%5D&&&format=marc)
- [PubMedId](/bibcite/export?pager_style=standard_pager&number_of_items=15&sort_field=bibcite_year--desc&taxonomy_filters%5Bfield_hwp_c_affiliated_authors%5D&taxonomy_filters%5Bfield_hwp_c_project%5D&taxonomy_filters%5Bfield_hwp_c_publicationgroupaffi%5D&taxonomy_filters%5Bfield_hwp_c_researchtopics12%5D%5B0%5D%5Btarget_id%5D=106121&taxonomy_filters%5Bfield_hwp_c_year123456%5D&&&format=pubmed_id)
- [RIS](/bibcite/export?pager_style=standard_pager&number_of_items=15&sort_field=bibcite_year--desc&taxonomy_filters%5Bfield_hwp_c_affiliated_authors%5D&taxonomy_filters%5Bfield_hwp_c_project%5D&taxonomy_filters%5Bfield_hwp_c_publicationgroupaffi%5D&taxonomy_filters%5Bfield_hwp_c_researchtopics12%5D%5B0%5D%5Btarget_id%5D=106121&taxonomy_filters%5Bfield_hwp_c_year123456%5D&&&format=ris)
 


 

### 2024

Mader AV, Williams RM, Aizenberg J, Noorduin WL. [Directing Sequential Self-Organization with Self-Assembled Nanocrystals](/publication/directing-sequential-self-organization-self-assembled-nanocrystals). Crystal Growth & Design. 2024.



 

 

Mader AV, Williams RM, Aizenberg J, Noorduin WL. [Directing Sequential Self-Organization with Self-Assembled Nanocrystals](/publication/directing-sequential-self-organization-self-assembled-nanocrystals). Crystal Growth & Design. 2024.



 

 

 

- add\_circle\_outline do\_not\_disturb\_on Abstract
- [ descriptionPublisher's Version](https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.cgd.4c01450)
 
Sequential self-organization can be used to design the hierarchy and complexity of materials beyond what is possible with single-step synthesis. However, such sequential approaches introduce additional challenges in maintaining control over the process...



 

 

- [ descriptionPublisher's Version](https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.cgd.4c01450)
 
 

 



### 2022

Schroeder TBH, Aizenberg J. [Patterned crystal growth and heat wave generation in hydrogels](/publications/patterned-crystal-growth-and-heat-wave-generation-hydrogels). Nature Communications. 2022;13(1):1–11. doi:10.1038/s41467-021-27505-z



 

 

Schroeder TBH, Aizenberg J. [Patterned crystal growth and heat wave generation in hydrogels](/publications/patterned-crystal-growth-and-heat-wave-generation-hydrogels). Nature Communications. 2022;13(1):1–11. doi:10.1038/s41467-021-27505-z



 

 

 

- add\_circle\_outline do\_not\_disturb\_on Abstract
 
The crystallization of metastable liquid phase change materials releases stored energy as latent heat upon nucleation and may therefore provide a triggerable means of activating downstream processes that respond to changes in temperature. In this work, we...



 

 

 

 



### 2017

Kaplan C, Noorduin W, Li L, Sadza R, Folkertsma L, Aizenberg J, Mahadevan L. [Controlled growth and form of precipitating microstructures](/publications/controlled-growth-and-form-precipitating-microstructures). Science. 2017;355(6332):1395–1399.



 

 

Kaplan C, Noorduin W, Li L, Sadza R, Folkertsma L, Aizenberg J, Mahadevan L. [Controlled growth and form of precipitating microstructures](/publications/controlled-growth-and-form-precipitating-microstructures). Science. 2017;355(6332):1395–1399.



 

 

 

- add\_circle\_outline do\_not\_disturb\_on Abstract
- [ descriptionPublisher's Version](http://science.sciencemag.org/content/355/6332/1395.long)
 
Controlled self-assembly of three-dimensional shapes holds great potential for fabrication of functional materials. Their practical realization requires a theoretical framework to quantify and guide the dynamic sculpting of the curved structures that...



 

 

- [ descriptionPublisher's Version](http://science.sciencemag.org/content/355/6332/1395.long)
 
 

 



### 2016

Grinthal A, Noorduin W, Aizenberg J. [A Constructive Chemical Conversation](/publications/constructive-chemical-conversation-precisely-timed-series-interventions-lead). American Scientist. 2016;104(4):228–235.



 

 

Grinthal A, Noorduin W, Aizenberg J. [A Constructive Chemical Conversation](/publications/constructive-chemical-conversation-precisely-timed-series-interventions-lead). American Scientist. 2016;104(4):228–235.



 

 

 

- add\_circle\_outline do\_not\_disturb\_on Abstract
- [ descriptionPublisher's Version](http://dx.doi.org/10.1511/2016.121.228)
 
 Using simple ingredients and processing, the authors discuss how they create vastly complex three-dimensional structures that assemble themselves.



 

 

- [ descriptionPublisher's Version](http://dx.doi.org/10.1511/2016.121.228)
 
 

 



### 2013

Noorduin W, Grinthal A, Mahadevan L, Aizenberg J. [Rationally Designed Complex Hierarchical Microarchitectures](/publications/rationally-designed-complex-hierarchical-microarchitectures). Science. 2013;340:832–837. doi:10.1126/science.1234621



 

 

Noorduin W, Grinthal A, Mahadevan L, Aizenberg J. [Rationally Designed Complex Hierarchical Microarchitectures](/publications/rationally-designed-complex-hierarchical-microarchitectures). Science. 2013;340:832–837. doi:10.1126/science.1234621



 

 

 

- add\_circle\_outline do\_not\_disturb\_on Abstract
- [ descriptionPublisher's Version](http://science.sciencemag.org/content/340/6134/832)
 
 The emergence of complex nano- and microstructures is of fundamental interest, and the ability to program their form has practical ramifications in fields such as optics, catalysis, and electronics. We developed carbonate-silica microstructures in a... 

 

 

- [ descriptionPublisher's Version](http://science.sciencemag.org/content/340/6134/832)
 
 

 



### 2012

Hatton B, Aizenberg J. [Writing on Superhydrophobic Nanopost Arrays: Topographic Design for Bottom-up Assembly](/publications/writing-superhydrophobic-nanopost-arrays-topographic-design-bottom-assembly). Nano Letters. 2012;12(9):4551–4557. doi:10.1021/nl301775x



 

 

Hatton B, Aizenberg J. [Writing on Superhydrophobic Nanopost Arrays: Topographic Design for Bottom-up Assembly](/publications/writing-superhydrophobic-nanopost-arrays-topographic-design-bottom-assembly). Nano Letters. 2012;12(9):4551–4557. doi:10.1021/nl301775x



 

 

 

- [ picture\_as\_pdfHatton2012.NanoLetters.pd...](/sites/g/files/omnuum6296/files/Hatton2012.NanoLetters_0.pdf)
 
- [ picture\_as\_pdfHatton2012.NanoLetters.pd...](/sites/g/files/omnuum6296/files/Hatton2012.NanoLetters_0.pdf)
 
 

 



### 2011

Vasquez Y, Fenton EM, Chernow VF, Aizenberg J. [Growth of polygonal rings and wires of CuS on structured surfaces.](/publications/growth-polygonal-rings-and-wires-cus-structured-surfaces) Cryst. Eng. Comm. 2011;13:1077–1080. doi:10.1039/C0CE00499E



 

 

Vasquez Y, Fenton EM, Chernow VF, Aizenberg J. [Growth of polygonal rings and wires of CuS on structured surfaces.](/publications/growth-polygonal-rings-and-wires-cus-structured-surfaces) Cryst. Eng. Comm. 2011;13:1077–1080. doi:10.1039/C0CE00499E



 

 

 

- [ picture\_as\_pdf2011\_vasquez\_etal\_cryteng...](/sites/g/files/omnuum6296/files/aizenberg/files/2011_vasquez_etal_crytengcomm.pdf)
 
- [ picture\_as\_pdf2011\_vasquez\_etal\_cryteng...](/sites/g/files/omnuum6296/files/aizenberg/files/2011_vasquez_etal_crytengcomm.pdf)
 
 

 



### 2010

Pokroy B, Aichmayer B, Schenk AS, Haimov B, Kang SH, Fratzl P, Aizenberg J. [Sonication-assisted synthesis of large, high-quality mercury-thiolate single crystals directly from liquid mercury](/publications/sonication-assisted-synthesis-large-high-quality-mercury-thiolate-single-crystals). J. Am. Chem. Soc,. 2010;132(41):14355–14357. doi:10.1021/ja1056449



 

 

Pokroy B, Aichmayer B, Schenk AS, Haimov B, Kang SH, Fratzl P, Aizenberg J. [Sonication-assisted synthesis of large, high-quality mercury-thiolate single crystals directly from liquid mercury](/publications/sonication-assisted-synthesis-large-high-quality-mercury-thiolate-single-crystals). J. Am. Chem. Soc,. 2010;132(41):14355–14357. doi:10.1021/ja1056449



 

 

 

- [ picture\_as\_pdf2010\_JACS.pdf](/sites/g/files/omnuum6296/files/2010_JACS_0.pdf)
 
- [ picture\_as\_pdf2010\_JACS.pdf](/sites/g/files/omnuum6296/files/2010_JACS_0.pdf)
 
 

Fratzl P, Fischer FD, Svoboda J, Aizenberg J. [A kinetic model of the transformation of a micropatterned amorphous precursor into a porous single crystal](/publications/kinetic-model-transformation-micropatterned-amorphous-precursor-porous-single-crystal). Acta Biomater. 2010;6:1001–1005.



 

 

Fratzl P, Fischer FD, Svoboda J, Aizenberg J. [A kinetic model of the transformation of a micropatterned amorphous precursor into a porous single crystal](/publications/kinetic-model-transformation-micropatterned-amorphous-precursor-porous-single-crystal). Acta Biomater. 2010;6:1001–1005.



 

 

 

- [ picture\_as\_pdf2010\_Acta\_Biomater.pdf](/sites/g/files/omnuum6296/files/2010_Acta_Biomater_0.pdf)
 
- [ picture\_as\_pdf2010\_Acta\_Biomater.pdf](/sites/g/files/omnuum6296/files/2010_Acta_Biomater_0.pdf)
 
 

Aizenberg J. [New nanofabrication strategies: Inspired by biomineralization](/publications/new-nanofabrication-strategies-inspired-biomineralization). MRS Bull. 2010;35:323–330.



 

 

Aizenberg J. [New nanofabrication strategies: Inspired by biomineralization](/publications/new-nanofabrication-strategies-inspired-biomineralization). MRS Bull. 2010;35:323–330.



 

 

 

- [ picture\_as\_pdf2010\_MRS.pdf](/sites/g/files/omnuum6296/files/2010_MRS_0.pdf)
 
- [ picture\_as\_pdf2010\_MRS.pdf](/sites/g/files/omnuum6296/files/2010_MRS_0.pdf)
 
 

 



### 2009

Pokroy B, Chernow VF, Aizenberg J. [Crystallization of Malonic and Succinic Acids on SAMs: Toward the General Mechanism of Oriented Nucleation on Organic Monolayers](/publications/crystallization-malonic-and-succinic-acids-sams-toward-general-mechanism-oriented). Langmuir. 2009;25:14002–14006.



 

 

Pokroy B, Chernow VF, Aizenberg J. [Crystallization of Malonic and Succinic Acids on SAMs: Toward the General Mechanism of Oriented Nucleation on Organic Monolayers](/publications/crystallization-malonic-and-succinic-acids-sams-toward-general-mechanism-oriented). Langmuir. 2009;25:14002–14006.



 

 

 

- [ picture\_as\_pdf2009\_Langmuir.pdf](/sites/g/files/omnuum6296/files/2009_Langmuir_0.pdf)
 
- [ picture\_as\_pdf2009\_Langmuir.pdf](/sites/g/files/omnuum6296/files/2009_Langmuir_0.pdf)
 
 

Killian CE, Metzler A, Gong Y, Olson IC, Aizenberg J, Politi Y, Wilt FH, Scholl A, Young A, Doran A, et al. [Mechanism of Calcite Co-Orientation in the Sea Urchin Tooth](/publications/mechanism-calcite-co-orientation-sea-urchin-tooth). J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2009;131:18404–18409.



 

 

Killian CE, Metzler A, Gong Y, Olson IC, Aizenberg J, Politi Y, Wilt FH, Scholl A, Young A, Doran A, et al. [Mechanism of Calcite Co-Orientation in the Sea Urchin Tooth](/publications/mechanism-calcite-co-orientation-sea-urchin-tooth). J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2009;131:18404–18409.



 

 

 

- [ picture\_as\_pdf2009\_JACS.pdf](/sites/g/files/omnuum6296/files/2009_JACS_0.pdf)
 
- [ picture\_as\_pdf2009\_JACS.pdf](/sites/g/files/omnuum6296/files/2009_JACS_0.pdf)
 
 

 



### 2008

Aizenberg J. [Self-Assembled Monolayers as Templates for Inorganic Crystallization: A Bio-Inspired Approach](/publications/self-assembled-monolayers-templates-inorganic-crystallization-bio-inspired-approach). In: Novoa J, editor. Springer WB/Nato Publishing Unit: Dordrecht, Netherlands; 2008. pp. 17–32.



 

 

Aizenberg J. [Self-Assembled Monolayers as Templates for Inorganic Crystallization: A Bio-Inspired Approach](/publications/self-assembled-monolayers-templates-inorganic-crystallization-bio-inspired-approach). In: Novoa J, editor. Springer WB/Nato Publishing Unit: Dordrecht, Netherlands; 2008. pp. 17–32.



 

 

 

 

Han TY-J, Aizenberg J. [Calcium Carbonate Storage in Amorphous Form and Its Template-Induced Crystallization](/publications/calcium-carbonate-storage-amorphous-form-and-its-template-induced-crystallization). Chem. Mater. 2008;20:1064–1068.



 

 

Han TY-J, Aizenberg J. [Calcium Carbonate Storage in Amorphous Form and Its Template-Induced Crystallization](/publications/calcium-carbonate-storage-amorphous-form-and-its-template-induced-crystallization). Chem. Mater. 2008;20:1064–1068.



 

 

 

- [ picture\_as\_pdf2008\_ChemMat.pdf](/sites/g/files/omnuum6296/files/2008_ChemMat_0.pdf)
 
- [ picture\_as\_pdf2008\_ChemMat.pdf](/sites/g/files/omnuum6296/files/2008_ChemMat_0.pdf)
 
 

 



### 2007

Pokroy B, Aizenberg J. [Calcite Shape Modulation through the Lattice Mismatch between the Self-Assembled Monolayer Template and the Nucleated Crystal Face](/publications/calcite-shape-modulation-through-lattice-mismatch-between-self-assembled-monolayer). CrystEngComm. 2007;9:1219–1225.



 

 

Pokroy B, Aizenberg J. [Calcite Shape Modulation through the Lattice Mismatch between the Self-Assembled Monolayer Template and the Nucleated Crystal Face](/publications/calcite-shape-modulation-through-lattice-mismatch-between-self-assembled-monolayer). CrystEngComm. 2007;9:1219–1225.



 

 

 

- [ picture\_as\_pdf2007\_CrystEngComm.pdf](/sites/g/files/omnuum6296/files/2007_CrystEngComm_0.pdf)
 
- [ picture\_as\_pdf2007\_CrystEngComm.pdf](/sites/g/files/omnuum6296/files/2007_CrystEngComm_0.pdf)
 
 

 



 

 - Previous page chevron\_left
- [1](?page=0%2C0 "Current page")
- [2](?page=1%2C0 "Go to page 2")
- [3](?page=2%2C0 "Go to page 3")
- [4](?page=3%2C0 "Go to page 4")
- [ Next page chevron\_right ](?page=1%2C0 "Go to next page")