New Approaches to the study of crystal nucleation and growth

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This project is developing and applying nanoscale techniques to investigate the nucleation and growth of crystalline materials, with a focus on minerals and salts, such as calcium carbonate, barium sulfate and hdroxyapatite, which are of considerable practical importance (e.g. scale formation, bone and teeth etc.). We are bringing to bear novel techniques based on nanopipettes that can be used to rapidly create conditions for crystal nucleation and growth, and to monitor the process in real time. We are also using nanopipette imaging probes to map out unexplored properties such as surface charge and near crystal speciation. These methods are being used alongside a range of microscopic and spectroscopic techniques. The project is aligned to the EPSRC Programme Grant 'Crystallisation in the Real World: Delivering Control through Theory and Experiment' (EP/R018820/1), which involves 8 research groups from 4 UK universities, along with international partners. The student is fully involved in this programme and is benefiting considerably from the opportunities for interactions that it provides.