Distribution of metallic ions in a single KDP crystal grown from aqueous solution

A single KDP (potassium dihydrogen phosphate) crystal was grown in a supersaturated solution containing a metallic ion (Al³⁺, Fe³⁺, or Cr³⁺). The growth rate, morphology, and distribution of the metallic ions into the KDP crystal were measured as the ionic concentration and supersaturation in the solution changed. It was found that in the KDP crystal, Al³⁺ and Fe³⁺ were greatly concentrated, but Cr³⁺ was diluted. Complete expressions for the effect of metallic ions on all aspects of the growth of KDP crystal were suggested. The growth rates of (100) and (101) faces were well correlated by the empirical equation and resulted in good estimation of morphology. The distribution of metallic ions into KDP crystal was also correlated by the distribution model. (© 2006 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)