Machine learning for molecular simulations of crystal nucleation and growth

Abstract

Abstract: Molecular simulations are a powerful tool in the study of crystallization and polymorphic transitions yielding detailed information of transformation mechanisms with high spatiotemporal resolution. However, characterizing various crystalline and amorphous phases as well as sampling nucleation events and structural transitions remain extremely challenging tasks. The integration of machine learning with molecular simulations has the potential of unprecedented advancement in the area of crystal nucleation and growth. In this article, we discuss recent progress in the analysis and sampling of structural transformations aided by machine learning and the resulting potential future directions opening in this area. Graphical Abstract: [Figure not available: see fulltext.].