Crystal growth from solution

Crystals are grown from solution by the introduction of a first fluid into a second fluid by permeation through a porous partition. Introduction of the first fluid produces supersaturation of the desired material in the combined fluid in the vicinity of the partition. Supersaturation results in the production of crystals. The crystals grow from the partition into the solution. The supersaturation is produced by one of several mechanisms including: chemical reaction producing a less soluble element or compound; decomplexation produced by dilution or pH change; and introduction of solution into a solvent in which the material is less soluble.