Abstract
We investigate the most basic situation of heterogeneous crystallization: crystallization of hard-sphere colloids in the presence of a flat hard wall. Using a combination of confocal microscopy and nonequilibrium Brownian dynamics simulations, microscopic time-resolved information is obtained on an individual-particle level. Initially, particles near the wall rearrange before an extended regime of crystal growth is found. During growth, we can directly observe a depletion zone in the fluid next to the progressing crystal–fluid interface due to the single-particle information provided by microscopy and simulations. This also allows us to follow the relaxation of the crystal layers and the progression of the crystal–fluid interface. In good agreement between our experiments and simulations, as well as previous studies, the growth rate shows a maximum in its dependence on the bulk volume fraction.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
