Coming from a semiconductor crystal growth background, I really love these articles. I wonder what could be accomplished by further controlling the growth environment. From my understanding, the growth-rate of these crystals is limited by the availability of mass i.e. the slow evaporation of water out of the suspension liquid increases the MSG concentration which in turn makes condensation of MSG onto the seed crystal energetically favorable.
Generally, the most energetically favorable outcome is for these condensing molecules to incorporate into the 'ideal' location within the crystal lattice, forming a single-crystalline mass. From the images we can see condensation on walls of the container which indicates that 'non-ideal' incorporation is prevalent.
One way to combat this is to the raise the growth temperature, such that molecules that condense into non-single-crystalline locations are more likely to just dissolve back into the solution. Finding this optimal temperature where molecule-glass condensation is unlikely but molecule-crystal lattice is likely is, naturally, difficult.
Lots of nobs to turn in a process like this. It's fun to imagine how you might construct a proper growth reactor that allows more precise control of temperature and mass flux.
Reminds me of stuff I have seen in the 3D printing groups for controlled drying of 3D prints. With the plethora of sensors and cheap programmable controllers you could probably whip up a chamber that could control both heat and humidity without much trouble. A quick web search turned up this page: https://reprap.org/wiki/Heated_Build_Chamber
I'm sure with some more digging others already have designed chambers for controlling heat and humidity. Might be fun extension/dual use for 3D printing and crystal growing. Overlapping hobbies are the best!
Generally, the most energetically favorable outcome is for these condensing molecules to incorporate into the 'ideal' location within the crystal lattice, forming a single-crystalline mass. From the images we can see condensation on walls of the container which indicates that 'non-ideal' incorporation is prevalent.
One way to combat this is to the raise the growth temperature, such that molecules that condense into non-single-crystalline locations are more likely to just dissolve back into the solution. Finding this optimal temperature where molecule-glass condensation is unlikely but molecule-crystal lattice is likely is, naturally, difficult.
Lots of nobs to turn in a process like this. It's fun to imagine how you might construct a proper growth reactor that allows more precise control of temperature and mass flux.