Laser-induced crystallization of fluoranthene in both vapor and solution media

Abstract Organic single crystals are attracting enormous attention and playing an indispensable role in the realization of high-performance electronic devices. In this paper, we reported an in situ growth method for two-dimensional branch-like and hexagonal shapes of fluoranthene crystals under the photophoretic and dielectrophoretic forces generated by the photothermal and photovoltaic effects in both vapor- and liquid- environments. The crystals grown via this method are characterized by real-time controllability and large size. At the same time, the crystal morphology can also be modified through non-contact illumination. This growth method may serve the future demand for crystal growth in different phases.