Taming Nanocrystal Structure @ University of Minnesota
January 21, 2009 :: Highlight from IRG I
:
Marc Hillmyer
When confined to nanoscopic crystallization chambers developed at the University of Minnesota, the simplest amino acid glycine crystallizes in a peculiar form. The glycine molecules in the nanocrystals are arranged in a way that is distinct from normal glycine crystals. Furthermore, the shape and orientation of the nanocrystals can be controlled through the addition of molecules that can bind to specific faces of the growing nanocrystals during the confined crystallization process. The ability to form nanocrystals and control their alignment and structure could provide new routes to novel nanocomposites, optical materials, or pharmaceutical formulations. Studies are underway to exploit these intriguing observations.
Related publication(s):
- J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2009, 131, 2588-2596.
