ADSORPTION PROCESSES DURING CRYSTALLINE GROWTH - AN ANALYTICAL TOOL

The rate of crystal growth is notably decreased by the adsorption of foreign species on specific points of the crystal surface. The high selectivity and sensitivity of the crystal growth inhibitory processes suggests the possibility of developing applications of interest in analytical chemistry. Kinetic potentiometric measurements (using a calcium ion selective electrode) allow the determination of species of phytate, citrate and phosphate on the basis of their inhibitory action on the crystal growth of sparingly soluble calcium salts.