Nanoindentation for probing the mechanical behavior of molecular crystals–a review of the technique and how to use it

CrystEngComm is the forum for the design and understanding of crystalline materials. We welcome studies on the investigation of molecular behaviour within crystals, control of nucleation and crystal growth, engineering of crystal structures, and construction of crystalline materials with tuneable properties and functions. We publish hypothesis-driven research into… how crystal design affects thermodynamics, phase transitional behaviours, polymorphism, morphology control, solid state reactivity (crystal-crystal solution-crystal, and gas-crystal reactions), optoelectronics, ferroelectric materials, non-linear optics, molecular and bulk magnetism, conductivity and quantum computing, catalysis, absorption and desorption, and mechanical properties. Using Techniques and methods including… Single crystal and powder X-ray, electron, and neutron diffraction, solid-state spectroscopy, spectrometry, and microscopy, modelling and data mining, and empirical, semi-empirical and ab-initio theoretical evaluations. On crystalline and solid-state materials. We particularly welcome work on MOFs, coordination polymers, nanocrystals, host-guest and multi-component molecular materials. We also accept work on peptides and liquid crystals. All papers should involve the use or development of a design or optimisation strategy. Routine structural reports or crystal morphology descriptions, even when combined with an analysis of properties or potential applications, are generally considered to be outside the scope of the journal and are unlikely to be accepted.