Interfacial induction and regulation for microscale crystallization process: a critical review

Microscale crystallization is at the frontier of chemical engineering, material science, and biochemical research and is affected by many factors. The precise regulation and control of microscale crystal processes is still a major challenge. In the heterogeneous induced nucleation process, the chemical and micro/nanostructural characteristics of the interface play a dominant role. Ideal crystal products can be obtained by modifying the interface characteristics, which has been proven to be a promising strategy. This review illustrates the application of interface properties, including chemical characteristics (hydrophobicity and functional groups) and the morphology of micro/nanostructures (rough structure and cavities, pore shape and pore size, surface porosity, channels), in various microscale crystallization controls and process intensification. Finally, possible future research and development directions are outlined to emphasize the importance of interfacial crystallization control and regulation for crystal engineering.