Crystallization and functionality of inorganic materials

In this article, we briefly summarized our recent work on the studies of crystallization and functionality of inorganic materials. On the basis of the chemical bonding theory of single crystal growth, we can quantitatively simulate Cu2O crystallization processes in solution system. We also kinetically controlled Cu2O crystallization process in the reduction solution route. Lithium ion battery and supercapacitor performances of some oxides such as Co3O4 and MnO2 were shown to elucidate the important effect of crystallization on functionality of inorganic materials. This work encourages us to create novel functionalities through the study of crystallization of inorganic materials, which warrants more chances in the field of functional materials. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.