Crystallization of solutes from droplets

Abstract

Experiments on crystallization of thiourea and sodium hydroxide from an aqueous solution in a microvolume of 10 −10 1 (100 pl) are described. The phenomenon of dehydration self-organization in such tiny droplets of solution is studied for the first time. The effect of different factors, such as solution concentration, ratio of the components mentioned above in one solution, and substrate properties on the size, structure, and properties of crystals grown. Analysis of the experimental data is performed, and the drying rate of the drops and the supersaturation of the solution are estimated. Insight into the self-organization of solute molecules in a micro-or nanovolume of the drying solution may be of great applied and fundamental value, giving rise to new techniques in micro-and nanotechnology and new classes of problems in the physics of fractals and strongly nonstationary dissipative processes.