PNNL

Abstract

We present a current opinion on complex initial aspects of mineral formation from ions in aqueous solutions, particularly focusing on the pivotal roles of amorphous and liquid-like precursors that emerge before crystalline growth. We consider both classical and non-classical nucleation and growth theories, and emphasize their usefulness and limitations for explaining complex intermediate phases identified in experimental research. Furthermore, we discuss the critical role of analytical techniques for detecting and characterizing precursor phases, which provide deep insights into the nucleation and growth mechanisms at different temporal and spatial length scales. Finally, these phases are explored through the lens of molecular dynamics and modelling, which provide intimate insights into their nucleation and growth mechanisms at the molecular level.