SURFACE ATOMIC-STRUCTURE OF KDP CRYSTALS IN AQUEOUS-SOLUTION - AN EXPLANATION OF THE GROWTH SHAPE

With this study on KDP, we present an interface atomic structure deter mination of a crystal in contact with its growth solution. Using x-ray diffraction at a third-generation synchrotron radiation source, the s tructure of both the {101} and {100} faces has been determined. We fou nd that the {101} faces are terminated by a layer of K+ ions and not b y H2PO4- groups, resolving a long-standing issue that could not be pre dicted by theory. This result leads to an atomic-scale explanation of the influence of metal impurities on the macroscopic growth morphology .