Uncovering molecular pathways to minerals for control of crystallisation

这个项目旨在增加我们对矿物形成和结晶过程的了解。矿物在我们的环境中扮演着至关重要的角色，例如作为二氧化碳的储存库，同时也为澳大利亚的经济做出了重大贡献。相反，不受欢迎的矿物形成可能对从石油/天然气部门到海水淡化的各个行业都有害。尽管控制这种晶体生长将带来好处，但由于缺乏对矿物如何在微观层面形成的完整了解，进展一直受到限制。该项目旨在利用最新的千万亿级资源，将计算机模拟与实验数据相结合，以产生知识，使我们能够利用自然界中发现的相同控制来操纵矿物，如碳酸钙。

This project aims to increase our knowledge of the processes of mineral formation and crystallisation. Minerals play a vital role in our environment, for example as reservoirs for carbon dioxide, while also substantially contributing to the Australian economy. Conversely, undesirable formation of minerals can be detrimental to industries from the oil/gas sector through to desalination. Despite the benefits that would come from controlling such crystal growth, progress has been limited by the lack of a complete understanding of how minerals form at the microscopic level. This project aims to combine computer simulation, using the latest petascale resources, with experimental data to yield knowledge that would allow us to manipulate minerals, such as calcium carbonate, with the same control found in nature.