In situ nanoscale visualization of solvent effects on molecular crystal surfaces

Research output: Contribution to journalJournal articlepeer-review

Solvents can dramatically affect molecular crystals. Obtaining favorable properties for these crystals requires rational design based on molecular level understanding of the solid-solution interface. Here we show how atomic force microscopy combined with molecular dynamics simulations can be utilized for understanding critical surface properties, namely crystallinity and hydrophobicity, as crystals are exposed to water-ethanol mixtures. We report the formation of dynamic heterogeneous disordered surface (DHDS) layers at the solid-solution interface. The observed DHDS layer was affected by the solvent composition and a variation in the water-ethanol ratio caused significant changes in surface properties.

Original languageEnglish
JournalCrystEngComm
Volume23
Issue number16
Pages (from-to)2933-2937
ISSN1466-8033
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2021

ID: 261155247