Aligned Growth of Calcite Crystals on a Self-Assembled Monolayer

Abstract

Aligned calcite crystals have been grown in an hexagonal arrangement (see Figure) using highly oriented Au (111) films on monocrystalline mica substrates. This alignment is observed over distances larger than the dimensions of monocrystalline Au(111) domains. A change in nucleation face with pH during growth—reflecting the different orientation of the carboxylate end groups of the SAM with respect to the substrate—is discussed.