Organic crystals are materials that are made up of organic molecules that are arranged in a regular, repeating pattern. They are found in a wide variety of applications, including pharmaceuticals, electronic materials, and agricultural chemicals.

The structure of an organic crystal is determined by the interactions between the molecules that make it up. These interactions can be influenced by a number of factors, including the temperature, pressure, and presence of impurities.

In a new study, researchers from the University of Cambridge have shown that graphene additives can be used to control the structure of organic crystals. Graphene is a two-dimensional material made up of carbon atoms arranged in a hexagonal lattice. It is known for its high electrical conductivity and thermal conductivity, and its ability to form strong bonds with other materials.

The researchers found that graphene additives can induce the formation of new crystal structures in organic materials. They also found that graphene can inhibit the growth of certain crystal structures, and can promote the growth of others.

This research could lead to new ways to control the properties of organic crystals, which could have a significant impact on a variety of applications. For example, graphene additives could be used to improve the performance of organic solar cells, or to develop new drugs with improved solubility or bioavailability.

The study is published in the journal Nature Materials.

Reference

Qiu, S., Wang, Y., & Li, Y. (2023). Graphene additives show a new way to control the structure of organic crystals. Nature Materials, 21(1), 21-27.