Flux method

Crystallization
Crystallization
Fundamentals
	Crystal; Crystal structure; Nucleation;
Concepts
	Crystallization; Crystal growth; Recrystallization; Seed crystal; Protocrystalline; Single crystal;
Methods and technology
	Boules; Bridgman–Stockbarger method; Van Arkel–de Boer process; Czochralski method; Epitaxy; Flux method; Fractional crystallization; Fractional freezing; Hydrothermal synthesis; Kyropoulos method; Laser-heated pedestal growth; Micro-pulling-down; Shaping processes in crystal growth; Skull crucible; Verneuil method; Zone melting;
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The flux method is a crystal growth method where starting materials are dissolved in a solvent (flux), and are precipitated out to form crystals of a desired compound. The flux lowers the melting point of the desired compound, analogous to a wet chemistry recrystallization.^[1] The flux is molten in a highly stable crucible that does not react with the flux. Metal crucibles, such as platinum, titanium, and niobium are used for the growth of oxide crystals. Ceramic crucibles, such as alumina, zirconia, and boron nitride are used for the growth of metallic crystals.^[2] For air-sensitive growths, contents are sealed in ampoules or placed in atmosphere controlled furnaces.

^ Byrappa, K.; Ohachi, Tadashi (Eds.) (2003). "17.2.4 Flux method". Crystal Growth Technology. Norwich, N.Y.: William Andrew Pub. p. 567. ISBN 3-540-00367-3. Components of the gem materials desired in a single crystal form are dissolved in a flux (solvent).
^ Tachibana, Makoto (2017). Beginner's Guide to Flux Crystal Growth. Tsukuba, Ibaraki Japan: Springer. pp. 61–87. ISBN 978-4-431-56586-4.

[1] Byrappa, K.; Ohachi, Tadashi (Eds.) (2003). "17.2.4 Flux method". Crystal Growth Technology. Norwich, N.Y.: William Andrew Pub. p. 567. ISBN 3-540-00367-3. Components of the gem materials desired in a single crystal form are dissolved in a flux (solvent).

[:0-2] Tachibana, Makoto (2017). Beginner's Guide to Flux Crystal Growth. Tsukuba, Ibaraki Japan: Springer. pp. 61–87. ISBN 978-4-431-56586-4.

[1]

[2]

Crystallization

Fundamentals
Crystal Crystal structure Nucleation
Concepts
Crystallization Crystal growth Recrystallization Seed crystal Protocrystalline Single crystal
Methods and technology
Boules Bridgman–Stockbarger method Van Arkel–de Boer process Czochralski method Epitaxy Flux method Fractional crystallization Fractional freezing Hydrothermal synthesis Kyropoulos method Laser-heated pedestal growth Micro-pulling-down Shaping processes in crystal growth Skull crucible Verneuil method Zone melting
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