Controlling crystal growth with modifiers

Modifying crystal growth processes using additives is a well established approach to solving problems in many processes. Nature also makes extensive use of crystalline inorganic structures modified by soluble and insoluble organic materials. This Highlight discusses some of the recent and interesting developments in this area, with an emphasis on the control of crystal growth rates, covering both inhibitors and the lesser known promoters of crystal growth. Hybrid materials resulting from the incorporation of modifiers into crystalline structures are also discussed, with an emphasis on non-classical crystallisation mechanisms, involving the oriented attachment of nanoparticles.