title: Ultrasound-assisted crystallization (sonocrystallization).
abstract: The positive influence of ultrasound (US) on crystallization processes is shown by the dramatic reduction of the induction period, supersaturation conditions and metastable zone width. Manipulation of this influence can be achieved by changing US-related variables such as frequency, intensity, power and even geometrical characteristics of the ultrasonic device (e.g. horn type size). The volume of the sonicated solution and irradiation time are also variables to be optimized in a case-by-case basis as the mechanisms of US action on crystallization remain to be established. Nevertheless, the results obtained so far make foreseeable that crystal size distribution, and even crystal shape, can be 'tailored' by appropriate selection of the sonication conditions.
authors.affiliation: Department of Analytical Chemistry, Annex Marie Curie Building, Campus of Rabanales, University of Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain. qa1lucam@uco.es
authors.forename: M D
authors.initials: MD
authors.lastname: Luque de Castro
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Priego-Capote
mesh_terms: D003102:Colloids / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000528:radiation effects*; D003198:Computer Simulation; D003460:Crystallization / Q000379:methods*; D008956:Models, Chemical; D008958:Models, Molecular; D013010:Sonication
chemical_list: D003102:Colloids