Controlling crystallization via interfacial engineering : patterning, fouling-inhibition, and nutrient recovery

Abstract

Crystallization is ubiquitous in natural and anthropogenic environments; and can be detrimental or beneficial. For example, crystallization from sea-spray deposits is a leading contributor to rusting and fouling of coastal structures. However, crystallization can also be used as a purification technique for producing a variety of important chemicals. In this thesis, control of crystallization at interfaces is explored for improving sustainability across a variety of applications including pattering, anti-fouling, and as a separation process for recovery. Interfacial engineering is a natural starting point for controlling crystallization due to a propensity of many forms of crystals to form at phase boundaries. Control of crystallization on solid substrates is accomplished by modification of the surface morphology, length scale of surface features, surface chemistry, and surface energy. In this thesis I demonstrate that interfacial engineering can be used to prevent mineral fouling across salts and salt mixture, to develop microparticles which promote recovery of nutrients from waste water, and to design a micro-scale water-soluble crystalline masks with applications for the fabrication of microdevices.