Crystallization from Undersaturated Solutions Using Nanoconfinement Matrices with Functionalization

Methods of forming crystals including, for example, methods of forming crystals using a nanoporous matrix, and associated materials, articles, and systems are generally provided. Advantageously, in some embodiments, the methods of forming crystals described herein provide crystal formation of a target molecule from a solution initially at an undersaturated state with respect to the target molecule. In some embodiments, a method involves obtaining a solution of a target molecule, where in some cases the solution is at an undersaturated state with respect to the target molecule; and exposing the solution to a functionalized nanoporous matrix under conditions that promote crystal formation of the target molecule. In some cases, the nanoporous matrix is functionalized with an antisolvent group.