Crystallization Kinetics Research Articles

Reaction‐Diffusion and Crystallization Kinetics Modulation of Two‐Step Deposited Tin‐Based Perovskite Film via Reducing Atmosphere

The two‐step deposition method effectively mitigates the efficiency decline observed in tin‐based perovskite solar cells (TPVSCs) with increasing cell area, stemming from film in‐homogeneity. However, the high solubility of SnI2 in the conventionally used solvent isopropyl alcohol, coupled with the absence of effective modulation of reaction‐diffusion process, results in inadequate film coverage and conversion. In this study, we introduce formic acid as the second‐step solvent and introduce dithiothreitol (DTT) to regulate reaction‐diffusion/crystallization kinetics meticulously. Moreover, this research underscores a fundamental principle that the suitable binding energy ranging from ‐1.38 to ‐10.10 kcal/mol between ligands and Sn2+ significantly enhances the effectiveness of two‐step crystallization control. Notably, a uniform perovskite film is achieved on large‐scale substrate, and TPVSCs processed with DTT exhibit the highest efficiencies of 12.68% for 0.04 cm2 device and 11.30% for 1 cm2 device among tin‐based perovskite devices in two‐step sequential deposition method, even in the absence of dimethyl sulfoxide. This study lays the groundwork for the potential scale‐up development of lead‐free perovskite solar cells.

Investigation on Crystallization of CaO‐Al2O3‐B2O3‐BaO Slag Using Differential Scanning Calorimeter and In Situ High‐Temperature Raman Spectroscopy

CaO‐Al2O3‐B2O3‐based slag is among the most promising “nonreactive” mold fluxes for continuous casting of high‐aluminum steel. However, CaO‐Al2O3‐B2O3‐based slag system exhibits a stronger crystallization ability compared to traditional mold fluxes. Herein, calcium oxide in CaO‐Al2O3‐10%B2O3 slag is partially replaced by the same mass of barium oxide (5 and 10 mass%) to adjust the crystallization ability. The crystallization of glassy slags is then investigated using a differential scanning calorimeter and their crystallization kinetics are analyzed using the Matusita–Sakka model. The structural evolution of glassy slags from room temperature to 1200 °C is also investigated using in situ Raman spectroscopy. The kinetic analysis shows that the crystallization process of CaO‐Al2O3‐B2O3‐BaO glassy slags follows the surface crystallization mechanism. The predominant crystalline products are calcium monoaluminate (CaAl2O4) and calcium borate (Ca3(BO3)2). The partial replacement of calcium oxide by barium oxide inhibits the growth of CaAl2O4 in the slag by increasing the activation energy of crystal growth. The high‐temperature Raman spectroscopy study shows that the band between 700 and 900 cm−1 gets weaker relative to the band between 450 and 650 cm−1 at high temperatures. This indicates the strengthening of bending vibration of Al‐O‐Al, which is consistent with the precipitation of CaAl2O4 with full oxygen bridging.

Hollow amorphous N-doped TiO2 microspheres with uniform shell thickness and high carrier separation efficiency for photocatalytic of high-concentration Cr(VI)

Due to the low quantum efficiency, pure N-doped TiO2 (NTO) is still ineffective for catalyzing high concentrations of pollutants. In this study, a novel hollow amorphous NTO photocatalyst (AH-NTO) was synthesized by ultrasonic-assisted hydrothermal method and applied to photocatalysis of high-concentration chromium-containing wastewater. The hollow structure was constructed using a three-dimensional Fe3O4 template, and the shell layer thickness changed regularly compared to the stirring method, suggesting that ultrasound contributes to the formation of a uniform shell. Meanwhile, the low crystallization kinetics induced by the ultrasound-assisted low-temperature hydrolysis process enhance the generation and stability of amorphous NTO. Characterization of the system demonstrated that the hollow amorphous structure improved visible-light utilization efficiency (∼70% light transmittance) and specific surface area (182.95 m2·g-1). Furthermore, the optimal photocatalyst exhibited a high photogenerated carrier signal (0.231 μA·cm-2), low interface resistance (374.8 Ω), and a strong oxygen vacancy signal (∼0.38 a.u.), which provides favorable conditions for the separation and transfer of photogenerated carriers. Based on these properties, the photocatalyst effectively treated wastewater containing 0.274 g·L-1 of Cr(VI). The removal efficiency decreased by only 0.18% over five consecutive cycles, demonstrating excellent cycle stability and activity. Therefore, this work provides a practical case for treating high-concentration pollutants.

Crystallization of CoWB ternary boride in nickel-based metallic glass

The crystallization kinetics of CoWB ternary boride were investigated through non-isothermal differential scanning calorimetry experiments, using a Ni-based metallic glass precursor as the starting material. The effects of isothermal heat treatment temperature on the phase evolutions were also systematically studied. The results showed that the melt crystallization and glass crystallization behaviors of the alloy differ from each other. The continuous heating transformation diagram plotted from non-isothermal analyses is consistent with the results of isothermal heat treatments. A broad ternary boride precipitation zone was demonstrated, involving the gradual precipitation of CoWB crystals. Avrami exponent values for the early crystallization stage showed that the crystallization mechanism of CoWB is governed by the interface-controlled three-dimensional growth mechanism, and nucleation rate is high. As the crystallization progresses, a diffusion-controlled growth occurs and the nucleation rate decreases. This study offers insights into the heat treatment of CoWB-reinforced nickel matrix nanocomposites, benefiting future research and industrial production processes.

Controlling the Mechanism of Nucleation and Growth Enables Synthesis of UiO-66 Metal-Organic Framework with Desired Macroscopic Properties.

By combining in situ X-ray diffraction, Zr K-edge X-ray absorption spectroscopy and 1H and 13C nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, we show that the properties of the final MOF are influenced by H2O and HCl via affecting the nucleation and crystal growth at the molecular level. The nucleation implies hydrolysis of monomeric zirconium chloride complexes into zirconium-oxo species, and this process is promoted by H2O and inhibited by HCl, allowing to control crystal size by adjusting H2O/Zr and HCl/Zr ratios. The rate-determining step of crystal growth is represented by the condensation of monomeric and oligomeric zirconium-oxo species into clusters, or nodes, with the structure identical to that in secondary building units (SBU) of UiO-66 framework. The rapid crystallization in the absence of HCl leads to formation of defective secondary building units with missing zirconium atoms, providing a pathway to control the number of defects in UiO-66 crystals. Remarkably, we have shown that assembling of the metal nodes and linkers into the UiO-66 structure is not the rate-limiting step, and the degree of deprotonation of the linker has no direct effect on the crystallization kinetics or crystal size of product.

Dynamic Passivation of Perovskite Films via Gradual Additive Release for Enhanced Solar Cell Efficiency.

Modifying perovskites with functional additives has proven effective in refining the crystallization process and passivating the defects of perovskite films, thereby ensuring high photovoltaic efficiencies. However, conventional methods that involve pre-mixing additives into the precursor solution often face challenges due to discrepancies in the spatial distribution of slow-diffused additives relative to dynamically formed defect sites, resulting in limited passivation effectiveness. To address this issue, this study innovatively proposes a dynamic passivation strategy that utilizes a pre-passivator to gradually release active additives during the thermal crystallization process of perovskite films. By leveraging the principle of energy minimization, these timely-released additives can interact precisely and selectively with the high-energy defect sites generated during crystallization, thus facilitating efficient additive utilization and in situ real-time defect passivation. Through analysis of crystallization kinetics and carrier dynamic, it is demonstrated that this dynamic passivation approach significantly improves film quality and prolongs carrier lifetime, outperforming traditional pre-mixing tactics. Consequently, the final perovskite solar cell achieves an impressive solar conversion efficiency of 25.33%, along with exceptional stability. This work provides strong support of tailored additive strategies aimed at further enhancing the efficiency of perovskite solar cells and their subsequent commercial applications.

Crystallization Kinetics of Lithium Carbonate in a Continuous Stirred-Tank Crystallizer

Lithium carbonate is an important material in the lithium battery. The materials can be obtained from a reactive crystallization process. To prepare the higher-quality crystals, such as purity, crystal size distribution, and desired morphology, it needs to be controlled effectively in the crystallization process. Therefore, a study of crystallization kinetics was required. Here, the metastable region was explored first. Subsequently, a LiCl-K2CO3-H2O reaction system in a continuous stirred-tank crystallizer with controlling pH was used to study the crystallization kinetics, such as nucleation rate (B0), agglomeration kernel (β), and crystal growth rate (G), which can be determined with measured crystal size distribution at a steady-state condition using an agglomeration population balance model. The process variables include lithium chloride solution flow rate, potassium carbonate solution flow rate, and stirring speed. The results show that B0, β, and G were in the range of 3.47 × 109–5.98 × 1012 no/m3·s, 1.78 × 10−19–1.20 × 10−12 m3-slurry/no·s, and 3.00 × 10−11–2.11 × 10−10 m/s, respectively, depending on the operating conditions. All relative supersaturations were in the range of 1.22–2.04. In addition, the crystal size observed was found to be in the range of 1.28–32.7 μm, with irregular platelet forms in most cases. In addition, more slurry density can be obtained at the feed rate of 40 mL/min. A linear regression for crystallization kinetics was also discussed in this work. Finally, this process demonstrated that the recycling of lithium was possible for a circular economy. Therefore, the result can be used as a reference for larger-scale operations in industry.

The Molecular Additive N-Acetyl-L-Phenylalanine Delays the Crystallization and Suppresses the Phase Impurity for Achieving Triple-Cation Perovskite Solar Cells with Efficiency Over 25.

The crystallization process plays an important role in the formation of high-quality perovskite film for achieving efficient perovskite solar cells (PSCs), especially in the formation of mixed-cation perovskite film, as there are normally more phase impurities than in pure CH(NH2)2PbI3 (FAPbI3) film. Herein, a molecular additive strategy, i.e., introducing non-planar molecule N-acetyl-L-phenylalanine (APO) into the lead iodide (PbI2) precursor solution, is proposed to modulate crystallization kinetics and inhibit the generation of phase impurities of metastable pretreated perovskite film. The delayed crystallization process promotes a sufficient reaction between organic salts solution and inorganic Pb-I framework, and perovskite phase decomposition is prevented by forming strong hydrogen bonds between ─NH and I, resulting in the formation of uniform film with large-size crystal grains and high-purity crystalline phase. Ultimately, the target PSC devices achieve an impressive power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 25.05%, which is among the highest values of triple-cation (FAMACs) PSCs. Meanwhile, PSC modules with 10.8 cm2 obtain a PCE of 20.35%. Furthermore, the unencapsulated PSCs retain 94% of the initial efficiency after 40 days of storage under ambient conditions with 20% RH and also yield superior operational stability under light soaking at maximum power point tracking (MPPT) in nitrogen (N2) atmosphere.

Tensile and Crystallization Behavior of Melt‐Spun Fibers Derived From Poly(Butylene Terephthalate‐Co‐2,6‐Naphthalate) Copolyester

ABSTRACTIn this study, a series of poly(butylene terephthalate‐co‐2,6‐naphthalate) (PBTN) copolymers was synthesized via a one‐step polycondensation process. These PBTN copolymers demonstrate excellent thermal stability and semi‐crystalline behavior, with the enthalpy of melting values exceeding 17 J g−1. Crystallization kinetics analysis revealed that the copolymers exhibit significantly higher crystallization rates than neat poly(butylene terephthalate) (PBT) and poly(butylene naphthalate) (PBN), making them well‐suited for fiber production. The copolymers were melt‐spun, followed by a post‐drawing process at a ratio of 2.0, to enhance fiber strength. By adjusting the 2,6‐naphthalene dicarboxylate (NDC) content, the mechanical properties and crystallinity of the PBTN fibers were fine‐tuned. Tensile testing revealed that the copolymer fiber containing 50 mol% NDC, post‐drawn at a ratio of 2.0, exhibits superior toughness, with maximum tenacity and elongation values of 3.13 g den−1 and 69.3%, respectively.

Theory-guided machine learning for thermal modeling of in-situ automated fiber placement of thermoplastic composites

In-situ Automated Fiber Placement (AFP) of thermoplastic composites has several advantages over traditional manufacturing techniques, with the main benefit being eliminating secondary thermal processing. Without secondary heat treatment, the in-situ thermal history becomes the critical process parameter that governs bond development, crystallization kinetics, and the development of residual stresses. This work improves the thermal modeling of the in-situ Automated Fiber Placement (AFP) manufacturing process by leveraging Theory-Guided Machine Learning (TGML). A novel theory-guided neural network (TgNN) with theory-based pre-layer transforms models the three-dimensional temperature distribution during in-situ AFP manufacturing. The TgNN is fit on experimentally measured temperatures for various combinations of hot gas torch temperatures and heat source velocities. Feature engineering is implemented by applying theory-based pre-layer transforms to the input features time, the thermocouple coordinates, hot gas torch temperature, and heat source velocity. Compared to a theory-agnostic neural network, the TgNN with theory-based pre-layer transforms has improved predictive ability and requires fewer training data for equivalent performance. The trained model is computationally efficient and can be leveraged for online process control.

Effective attainment of a substantial proportion of the PbTiO3 crystalline phase through a non-isothermal crystallization process

The crystallization kinetics studies were performed on a lead–titanium borate glass with a composition 50PbO–25TiO2–25B2O3 (mol %) to well understand the crystallization process by a non-isothermal method in an attempt to obtain a substantial proportion of the lead titanate (PbTiO3) crystalline phase. Based on the DTA result, the glassy material was heat-treated to induce crystallization and then produced a glass-ceramic. The broad hump observed in the XRD patterns of a glassy sample affirmed its amorphous nature. However, XRD studies conducted on a glass-ceramic revealed the evolution of the crystalline phase of PbTiO3 and a minor phase of TiO2. The phase relationship of PbTiO3 resulting from the reaction between PbO and TiO2 during a non-isothermal crystallization process has been examined. The activation energy for the crystallization of PbTiO3 is evaluated to be 135 kJ/mol (at PbO/TiO2 ratio = 2/1 mol %). When the Pb/Ti ratio exceeds 1, the process progresses nearly to completion by the first crystallization peak, and the PbTiO3 phase formation is easier. The fraction of PbTiO3 phase in the present glass is 98.3 % at PbO/TiO2 ratio = 2/1 mol %. In addition, FTIR spectra provided the presence of Ti4+ ions in the glass-ceramic. According to the values of crystal growth and Avrami index, surface crystallization and one-dimensional growth mechanisms are suitable mechanisms for contributing to the crystallization of this glassy sample. The obtained findings provided details on the crystallization behaviour of this glassy sample and excellent insight into obtaining the PbTiO3 crystalline phase in a large proportion, which is of great importance in future technological applications.

Enhancing the Non-Isothermal Crystallization Kinetics of Polylactic Acid by Incorporating a Novel Nucleating Agent.

Polylactic acid (PLA) is a widely recognized biodegradable polymer. However, the slow crystallization rate of PLA restricts its practical applications. In this study, camphor leaf biochar decorated with multi-walled carbon nanotubes (C@MWCNTs) was prepared using the strong adhesive properties of polydopamine, and PLA/C@MWCNTs composites were fabricated via the casting solution method. The influence of C@MWCNTs as a novel nucleating agent on the melt behavior and non-isothermal crystallization behavior of PLA was investigated using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The crystallization kinetic parameters were obtained through the Jeziorny, Ozawa, and Mo methods, and the crystallization activation energy of the PLA/C@MWCNTs composites was calculated by the Kissinger method. The results show that the PLA/C@MWCNTs composites exhibit higher crystallinity and crystallization temperatures than those of PLA. Non-isothermal crystallization kinetic analysis reveals that the Mo method better describes the non-isothermal crystallization kinetics of both PLA and PLA/C@MWCNTs composites. In addition, it was found that C@MWCNTs, despite increasing the crystallization activation energy, can act as an efficient nucleating agent to increase the crystallization rate of PLA. These experimental results provide valuable insights for enhancing the slow crystallization rates associated with PLA.

Non-Isothermal Crystallization Kinetics and Properties of CaO-Al2O3-SiO2 (CAS) Glass-Ceramics from Eggshell Waste, Zeolite, and Pumice.

In this study, the crystallization behavior, microstructure, and mechanical and physical properties of CaO-Al2O3-SiO2 (CAS)-based glass-ceramics prepared from eggshell waste, zeolite, and pumice were investigated using X-ray diffraction (XRD), differential thermal analysis (DTA), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), a nanoindentation tester, and the Archimedes method. XRD analysis revealed that anorthite and wollastonite crystalline phases precipitated in the glass-ceramic samples after sintering at temperatures of 1000 °C and 1100 °C. However, diffraction peaks belonging to the wollastonite phase disappeared after sintering at 1200 °C, while peaks representing the pseudowollastonite phase were detected together with anorthite in the samples. SEM images showed that the crystals become coarser as the sintering temperature increased, with the crystal morphology transitioning from needle-like to rod-like. The crystallization activation energy (Ea) and Avrami parameter (n), both kinetic parameters, were calculated from DTA curves plotted at different heating rates using the Kissinger, Ozawa, and Matusita approaches. The results indicated that the crystallization activation energy of the CASZ glass ranged from 406 to 428 kJ mol-1, while that of the CASP glass varied from 356 to 378 kJ mol-1, depending on the method used. Additionally, the Avrami constant (n) was calculated to be 3.33 for CASZ and 2.89 for CASP. The hardness and bulk density of the glass-ceramic samples were significantly affected by the porosity present in the structure, with the highest hardness and bulk density values achieved for the CASZ glass-ceramic sample at the initial sintering temperature of 1000 °C.

Charge density-mediated crystallization kinetics for SSZ-13 transformed from coal fly ash-derived Al-rich analcite

Interzeolite transformation (IZT) is a powerful method for controlling the framework type, aluminum distribution, and hierarchical structures of zeolite. However, the in-depth mechanisms underlying IZT remain unexplored. In this study, we reveal a distinctive nucleation pathway and structural evolution of zeolite SSZ-13 during IZT that is different from the traditional hydrothermal synthesis methods. Utilizing two aluminum sources—al-rich zeolite analcite and aluminum sulfate—we accelerated the crystallization process with SSZ-13 seed crystals and TMAda-OH. Our findings indicate that the Al content, representing the charge density of the nucleation micro-environment, plays a critical role in shaping the framework and nucleation pathway. Nucleation occurred at the interface between analcite and the silica solution during IZT, characterized by a high-silica micro-environment with low charge density. In this environment, the precursor predominantly replicated the double six rings (D6R) of SSZ-13 seed fragments, forming double four rings (D4R) and CHA cages which resulted in a short induction period, fewer nucleation sites, and larger crystals size (∼1.5 μm). Conversely, when aluminum sulfate was mixed with silica sol, a uniform, Al-rich nucleation micro-environment with high negative charge density was established. the precursor primarily interacted with TMAda+ ions for charge compensation rather than with seed fragments. This slow interaction promoted the formation of CHA cages instead of D6R and D4R, leading to a longer induction period, increased nucleation sites, and smaller SSZ-13 crystal sizes (∼150 nm). This study elucidates how the charge density of micro-environment mediated interaction between precursors, organic structure-directing agent, and seed, providing valuable insights into the crystallization kinetics of IZT.

Kinetics of γ-LiAlO2 Formation out of Li2O-Al2O3 Melt—A Molecular Dynamics-Informed Non-Equilibrium Thermodynamic Study

Slags generated from pyrometallurgical processing of spent Li-ion batteries are reservoirs of Li compounds that, on recycling, can reintegrate Li into the material stream. In this context, γ-LiAlO2 is a promising candidate that potentially increases recycling efficiency due to its high Li content and favorable morphology for separation. However, its solidification kinetics depends on melt compositions and cooling strategies. The Engineered Artificial Minerals approach aims to optimize process conditions that maximize the desired solid phases. To realize this goal, understanding the coupled influence of external cooling kinetics and internal kinetics of solid/liquid interface migration and mass and thermal diffusion on solidification is critical. In this work, the solidification of γ-LiAlO2 from a Li2O-Al2O3 melt is computationally investigated by applying a non-equilibrium thermodynamic model to understand the influence of varying processing conditions on crystallization kinetics. A strategy is illustrated that allows the effective utilization of thermodynamic information obtained by the CALPHAD approach and molecular dynamics-generated diffusion coefficients to simulate kinetic-dependent solidification. Model calculations revealed that melts with compositions close to γ-LiAlO2 remain comparatively unaffected by the external heat extraction strategies due to rapid internal kinetic processes. Kinetic limitations, especially diffusion, become significant for high cooling rates as the melt composition deviates from the stoichiometric compound.

Efficient and Stable p-i-n Perovskite Solar Cells Enabled by In Situ Functional Group Conversion.

Chemical additives play a critical role in the crystallization kinetics and film morphology of perovskite solar cells (pero-SCs), thus affecting the device performance and stability. Especially, carboxylic acids and their congeners with a -COOH group can effectively serve as ligands to fortify the structural integrity and mitigate the risk of lead efflux. However, direct addition of -COOH into the precursor solution could retard the crystallization kinetics of the perovskite during film formation due to the strong coordination. Here, we present a novel approach of in situ functional group conversion using Bis(2,5-dioxopyrrolidin-1-yl) 4,7,10,13-tetraoxahexadecanedioate (Bis-PEG4-NHS ester) as an additive in the antisolvent, which underwent a functional group transformation from -COOR to -COOH during the annealing process through a hydrolysis reaction of Bis-PEG4-NHS ester. The corresponding hydrolysates exhibit enhanced interactions with PbI2 and FAI, contributing to the structural integrity and the defect passivation. Our findings offer valuable insights into the chemical interactions within the crystal growth process, achieving the p-i-n pero-SC device with an efficiency of 25.79% (certified as 25.47%) and notable long-term stability.

3‐Hydrazinylpyridine Hydrochloride Regulating Crystallization Kinetics of Tin‐Lead Perovskite Prepared by Two‐Step Method

3‐Hydrazinylpyridine Hydrochloride Regulating Crystallization Kinetics of Tin‐Lead Perovskite Prepared by Two‐Step Method

The Influence of Carbon Fiber on Crystallization and Morphology of Poly(Ether Ketone Ketone) Composites Towards High Rate Thermoplastic Manufacturing Processes

Recent interest in thermoplastic composites for aerospace applications is driven by the need for high-volume manufacturing of materials that display excellent mechanical, thermal, and solvent resistive properties. Specifically, a large component of the composite properties of thermoplastic composites are highly dependent on the crystalline fraction of the semi-crystalline polymer matrix of the reinforced system. This work investigates the melting behavior of poly (ether ketone ketone) (PEKK) and the influence of temperature and fiber on crystallization kinetics and morphology of (PEKK) composites utilizing, differential scanning calorimetry, Velaris-Sefaris modelling, and polarized optical microscopy (POM). Annealing temperatures of 380°C and above were required to fully erase crystalline ordering in the PEKK matrix. Furthermore, carbon fibers accelerated crystallization kinetics in PEKK at a range of temperatures observed via DSC, and Velaris-Sefaris modelling implied a shift from bulk to surface induced nucleation by the addition carbon fiber to the PEKK matrix, reducing activation energy of crystallization events. This nucleation behavior was visually confirmed through POM with observation of transcrystalline domains nucleated from the surface of a single carbon fiber.

The Influence of Carbon Fiber on Crystallization and Morphology of Poly(Ether Ketone Ketone) Composites Towards High Rate Thermoplastic Manufacturing Processes

Recent interest in thermoplastic composites for aerospace applications is driven by the need for high-volume manufacturing of materials that display excellent mechanical, thermal, and solvent resistive properties. Specifically, a large component of the composite properties of thermoplastic composites are highly dependent on the crystalline fraction of the semi-crystalline polymer matrix of the reinforced system. This work investigates the melting behavior of poly (ether ketone ketone) (PEKK) and the influence of temperature and fiber on crystallization kinetics and morphology of (PEKK) composites utilizing, differential scanning calorimetry, Velaris-Sefaris modelling, and polarized optical microscopy (POM). Annealing temperatures of 380°C and above were required to fully erase crystalline ordering in the PEKK matrix. Furthermore, carbon fibers accelerated crystallization kinetics in PEKK at a range of temperatures observed via DSC, and Velaris-Sefaris modelling implied a shift from bulk to surface induced nucleation by the addition carbon fiber to the PEKK matrix, reducing activation energy of crystallization events. This nucleation behavior was visually confirmed through POM with observation of transcrystalline domains nucleated from the surface of a single carbon fiber.

Core mechanism for the stability preparation of lithium slag-based SOD zeolite: Evolution of trans-crystallization nucleation/growth kinetics of crystals

SOD nano-zeolite has been widely applied in the separation of small gas molecules since these advantages comprise a high-density framework and favorable acid/alkali resistance. Moreover, the bottleneck for the lithium sector can be ameliorated by industrializing the manufacture of SOD zeolite (SLS) from the hazardous waste lithium slag (LS). However, the stability in industrial production is restricted owing to the ambiguous nature of the lattice nucleation/transformation mechanism. Herein, it was discovered that the highest relative crystallinity (98.8 %) of SLS with a layered spherical structure could be achieved under the crystallization condition of heating at 95 °C for 8 h. The nucleation and growth mechanisms of SLS crystals demonstrated a three-dimensional crystal growth pattern characterized by sporadic and transient nucleation, which is essentially consistent with that of crystallization kinetics. Specifically, the activation energies of the induction, transformation and crystallization phases were 41.33, 27.99 and 46.99 kJ·mol−1, respectively, implying that the directional induction of the transition phase is crucial for obtaining SLS with high crystallinity. Two nucleation processes can also be observed in the transformation stage, involving homogeneous nucleation and polymorphic transformation. Our study explored the crystallization and assembly mechanism of SLS crystals, providing a well-defined concept for the regulation of stability preparation.