Aggregation-Based Crystal Growth and Microstructure Development in Natural Iron Oxyhydroxide Biomineralization Products

Crystals are generally considered to grow by attachment of ions to inorganic surfaces or organic templates. High-resolution transmission electron microscopy of biomineralization products of iron-oxidizing bacteria revealed an alternative coarsening mechanism in which adjacent 2- to 3-nanometer parti...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Science (American Association for the Advancement of Science) 2000-08, Vol.289 (5480), p.751-754
Main Authors: BANFIELD, J. F, WELCH, S. A, HENGZHONG ZHANG, EBERT, T. T, PENN, R. L
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Aggregation
Analysis
Anions
Atoms
Betaproteobacteria - metabolism
Biomineralization
Cations
Cell aggregates
Chemical Phenomena
Chemistry, Physical
Colloids
Company growth
Crystal growth
Crystallization
Crystals
Earth sciences
Earth, ocean, space
Exact sciences and technology
Ferric Compounds
Ferric oxide
Ferrihydrite
Ferritins - chemistry
Geology
Goethite
Growth
Hydrogen-Ion Concentration
Hydroxides - chemistry
Iron
Iron Compounds - chemistry
Materials
Microscopy, Electron
Mineralogy
Minerals
Minerals - chemistry
Non silicates
Oxidation-Reduction
Petrology of sedimentary rocks except quaternary rocks
Scientific Concepts
Sedimentary rocks
Water
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Description
Summary:Crystals are generally considered to grow by attachment of ions to inorganic surfaces or organic templates. High-resolution transmission electron microscopy of biomineralization products of iron-oxidizing bacteria revealed an alternative coarsening mechanism in which adjacent 2- to 3-nanometer particles aggregate and rotate so their structures adopt parallel orientations in three dimensions. Crystal growth is accomplished by eliminating water molecules at interfaces and forming iron-oxygen bonds. Self-assembly occurs at multiple sites, leading to a coarser, polycrystalline material. Point defects (from surface-adsorbed impurities), dislocations, and slabs of structurally distinct material are created as a consequence of this growth mechanism and can dramatically impact subsequent reactivity.
ISSN:0036-8075
1095-9203
DOI:10.1126/science.289.5480.751