Abstract
Nucleation, 'birth of the new phase', is the first step in the crystallization process, followed by crystal growth, which is the growth of existing crystals to larger sizes. The control and study of nucleation processes are difficult and the impact of nucleation on polymorphism is not well understood. In this review, novel methods to study and control crystal nucleation including non-photochemical laser-induced nucleation, templated-crystallization on functionalized surfaces and the use of electrodynamic levitation will be discussed. It is essential to understand and control nucleation as it is the key aspect in tailoring the crystal size and shape, and controlling the crystalline form.
