Growth and morphology of mixed K1-x(NH4)xH2PO4 crystals

Abstract

Mixed crystals of ammonium dihydrogen orthophosphate (ADP) and potassium dihydrogen orthophosphate (KDP), i.e., potassium ammonium dihydrogen phosphate, K1-x(NH4)xH2PO4 have been grown by slow evaporation from the supersaturated solution at an ambient temperature 26 1 C for ammonium concentration x in the range 0.0 ? x ? 1.0. The morphology changes from tetragonal prism to needles when the concentration of either of the components approaches that of the other. Induction periods were measured for various compositions of mixed crystals of ADP and KDP by the direct vision method. Crystal compositions were determined by flame atomic absorption spectroscopy and also by chemical analysis. Results of the X-ray analysis of the grown crystals are also reported. Maximum size of the grown mixed crystal was around 16 10 4 mm3. 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.