Peculiarities of the growth of KDP single crystals with incorporated aluminium oxyhydroxide nanoparticles

Grown for the first time are KH2PO4 (KDP) crystals with incorporated aluminium oxyhydroxide Al2O3·nH2O nanoparticles (n=3.5–3.6). The influence of the nanoparticles on the structure perfection and the growth kinetics of the crystal faces are studied. The presence of the nanoparticles in the crystal matrix is confirmed by the results of chemical analysis, X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The most essential inhibiting effect of the nanoparticles is observed for the {100} faces. The mechanism of influence of the nanoparticles on the {100} faces growth is explained on the base of the Cabrera–Vermilyea (C–V) model using Langmuir adsorption isotherm.

► KDP single crystals with incorporated Al2O3·nH2O nanoparticles were grown. ► Predominating interaction of the nanoparticles with the {100} crystal faces. ► The formation of hydrogen bonds between the nanoparticles and crystal faces. ► The blocking effect of the nanoparticles on crystal growth is revealed.