Tools and Tricks for Single Crystal Growth

Abstract

Single-crystal growth is a widely explored method of synthesizing materials in the solid state. The last few decades have seen significant improvements in the techniques used to synthesize single crystals, and much of this information has been collected and distributed via different papers and textbooks for the novice. What is often missing from these resources are perspectives on how to use these techniques in unusual ways, frequently combining aspects from different fields of chemistry. These variations on known single crystal growth techniques can help effect success in situations where the conventional technique might otherwise fail, as well as providing control over crucial structural defects. This manuscript informs about key aspects of single crystal growth techniques and variations that enable access to new materials and control over defects. We provide examples of materials that have been successfully grown as single crystals with each individual technique and highlight how the target material influences and informs the choice of technique and/or application of variations. Finally, we offer a case study, focusing on the floating zone technique, in which we delve into the growth of large single crystalline materials, as well as how the process can be influenced by modifications to attempt the growth of materials that might not otherwise be suitable for the technique. The presence of all of these sections in a single paper is meant to assist novice crystal growers in comparing, contrasting, and ultimately selecting a suitable technique or techniques for their experiments.