Surface atomic structure of KDP crystals in aqueous solution: An explanation of the growth shape

With this study on KDP, we present an interface atomic structure determination of a crystal in contact with its growth solution. Using x-ray diffraction at a third-generation synchrotron radiation source, the structure of both the {101} and {100} faces has been determined. We found that the {101} faces are terminated by a layer of K⁺ ions and not by H₂PO₄^– groups, resolving a long-standing issue that could not be predicted by theory. This result leads to an atomic-scale explanation of the influence of metal impurities on the macroscopic growth morphology.