Crystal growth in framework materials

Crystal-growth phenomena in open-framework microporous materials are explored using a combination of atomic force microscopy, high-resolution electron microscopy and modelling. Analogies are drawn between these open-framework systems and dense phase structures. In particular we discuss the role of organic structure-directing agents, commonly known as templates and suggest a new philosophy for predicting suitable molecules. We also discuss the role of defects in the crystallisation of open-framework materials and the effect of crystallisation processes on the incorporation of defects and intergrowths.