Crystallization is the name given to the process that sees the transformation of a solution, melt or gas into solid crystals, through precipitation. The phenomenon takes place relatively slow when compared to other types of chemical reactions, and scientists have recently discovered one of the reasons for that. It would appear that the angles present in the vessels used during crystallization are a very important factor, ScienceNow reports.

In a paper published in the latest issue of the respected Journal of the American Chemical Society, experts at the University of Surrey, in the United Kingdom, explain that the process can take place at up to 48 orders of magnitude faster at angles of about 70 degrees, as opposed to forming on flat surfaces. The main reason why crystal formation is usually slow is the fact that the arrangements have a very specific and precise internal structure, which cannot be achieved during fast chemical reactions.

The trick is to get the first molecules to self-organize, a process known as nucleation. As this happens, the first particles to crystallize basically turn into a template for those around them, facilitating the entire process. In the standard crystallization process – the one that is taught in college chemistry classes – teachers ask students to scratch the inside of a fla... (read more)