Melt-growth of 1,1,4,4-tetraphenyl-1,3-butadiene crystals on different substrates

► The different morphologies of a melt grown molecular crystal on different substrates is presented. ► Optical absorption is used as tool to determine the crystalline phase that is grown. ► A model is used to describe the fan-like distribution of crystallites on the surface. ► This work provides a preliminary investigation on the effect a substrate can have on molecular crystal growth, which is important for controlling well defined hybrid geometries for photonic applications.