Walton, F. and Wynne, K. (2018) Control over phase separation and nucleation using a laser-tweezing potential. Nature Chemistry, 10, pp. 506-510. (doi: 10.1038/s41557-018-0009-8) (PMID:29507366)
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Abstract
Control over the nucleation of new phases is highly desirable but elusive. Even though there is a long history of crystallization engineering by varying physicochemical parameters, controlling which polymorph crystallizes or whether a molecule crystallizes or forms an amorphous precipitate is still a poorly understood practice. Although there are now numerous examples of control using laser-induced nucleation, the absence of physical understanding is preventing progress. Here we show that the proximity of a liquid–liquid critical point or the corresponding binodal line can be used by a laser-tweezing potential to induce concentration gradients. A simple theoretical model shows that the stored electromagnetic energy of the laser beam produces a free-energy potential that forces phase separation or triggers the nucleation of a new phase. Experiments in a liquid mixture using a low-power laser diode confirm the effect. Phase separation and nucleation using a laser-tweezing potential explains the physics behind non-photochemical laser-induced nucleation and suggests new ways of manipulating matter.
Item Type: | Articles |
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Status: | Published |
Refereed: | Yes |
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: | Walton, Mr Finlay and Wynne, Professor Klaas |
Authors: | Walton, F., and Wynne, K. |
College/School: | College of Science and Engineering > School of Chemistry |
Journal Name: | Nature Chemistry |
Publisher: | Nature Publishing Group |
ISSN: | 1755-4330 |
ISSN (Online): | 1755-4349 |
Published Online: | 05 March 2018 |
Copyright Holders: | Copyright © 2018 Macmillan Publishers Limited, part of Springer Nature |
First Published: | First published in Nature Chemistry 10:506-510 |
Publisher Policy: | Reproduced in accordance with the copyright policy of the publisher |
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