Whenever an SEM is conducted over a sample of spherical crystals and microsphere they have a similar appearance. So, how we can report that during the process of spherical crystalization microspheres have not been obtained as the end product.
If I interpret your question right you have single crystal spheres and want to make sure you have no microspheres (that are not single crystals but either polycrystalline or amorphous).
- If your size range permits it, look at the sample in a light microscope with Nicol prism polarizer filters. Single crystals can be distinguished from polycrystalline material. (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Petrographic_microscope)
- The following only works better with pure end products of either single crystals or microspheres (of possible polycrystalline or amorphous material). If your size range is very small you could try X-Ray powder diffraction. Sharp peaks => high crystallinity. No peaks or an extremely broad peak => amorphous.
Crystals are periodic solid materials able to diffract x-ray, according to the morphology (physically) if a crystal is spherically shaped, it is spherical crystal.
Micro sphere not necessarily be crystals, micro sphere having a broad sense; any micro assembly or particle looks spherical can be considered as micro sphere.
Not sure of crystal size, but light microscopy in birefringence mode will distinguish crystalline materials as bright, while amorphous materials will be dark.This can work with particle sizes in 100’s of nanometer scale.
- Badges
- Science method