Bio-inspired Crystal Growth by Synthetic Templates

Abstract

Recent advances in bio-inspired strategies for the controlled growth of inorganic crystals using synthetic templates will be overviewed. There are a huge number of additives with different functionalities which can influence crystal growth; however, we only focus on the controlled growth and mineralization of inorganic minerals using synthetic templates as crystal growth modifiers, including biopolymers and synthetic polymers. New trends in the area of crystallization and morphogenesis of inorganic and inorganic–organic hybrid materials will be reviewed, including synergistic effects of crystal growth modifiers in water and in a mixed solvent, and crystallization on artificial interfaces or within matrices. Combination of a synthetic template with a normal surfactant or crystallization in a mixed solution system makes it possible to access various inorganic crystals with complex form and unique structural features. Several different morphogenesis mechanisms of crystal growth, such as selective adsorption, mesoscopic transformations, and higher order assembly, will be discussed. In addition, crystallization on artificial interfaces including monolayers, biopolymer and synthetic polymer matrices for controlled crystal growth, and emerging crystallization on foreign external templates and patterned surfaces for creation of patterned crystals will also be overviewed.