Formation of trigonal microarrays with cubic Ba(NO₃)₂ in a polymer matrix

Abstract

Micrometric 2D arrays of Ba(NO₃)₂ were spontaneously produced on a glass substrate through crystal growth induced by evaporation of water from viscous solutions containing polyvinyl alcohol (PVA). Specific trigonal microarrays were formed when the {111} face of Ba(NO₃)₂ was parallel to the substrate. Aligned triangles, honeycomb frames, and thin rod arrangements were obtained by adjusting the concentrations of Ba(NO₃)₂ and PVA. The formation of the particular microarrays is achieved through zigzag growth of the cubic crystal in the thin polymer matrix.