INS4-0704
Complexation-Mediated Diffusion-Limited Crystal Growth: A General Framework for Anisotropic Crystal Growth
Topic
S4. Colloids, Interfaces, and Molecular Assemblies for Functional Soft Materials
When and Where
Oct 1, 2026
14:00 - 14:25
Room 106
Session Chairs
Jungwook KIM
Presenter(s)
Youngjong Kang (Hanyang University)
Co-Author(s)
Abstract
The rational synthesis of one-dimensional (1D) lead-free perovskite nanostructures remains challenging due to complex precursor chemistry that defies classical crystal growth models. Here, we establish and experimentally validate a Complexation-Mediated Diffusion-Limited Growth (CMDLG) framework that integrates coordination chemistry with mass transport kinetics to direct the growth of Cs3Cu2I5 nanowires (NWs). This framework transforms precursor complexation from a synthetic hurdle into a powerful tool for directing anisotropic growth. By engineering the solvent environment to stabilize bulky iodocuprate complexes, we restrict mass transport and introduce a kinetic barrier, complex dissociation, at the growth front, driving the system into a diffusion-limited regime. This enables tunable synthesis of faceted microwires in polar solvents and ultralong, uniform NWs (aspect ratio >103) in low-polarity 2-pentanone. In situ optical microscopy captures complex-rich zones along NW sidewalls and depletion zones at growing tips, providing direct evidence for CMDLG. The resulting single-crystalline Cs3Cu2I5 NWs exhibit excellent structural and optical quality, forming lyotropic liquid crystals after surface passivation and self-assembly. Shear-aligned, photopolymerized NW-polymer composite films show strong perpendicular polarized emission (P = 0.31) and enhanced chemical stability. The CMDLG framework provides a unified paradigm for understanding and predicting anisotropic growth in complex perovskite and related inorganic systems.
