The crystallization process of a droplet of tetrahydrofuran (THF) solution on a silicon wafer is studied based on the in situ observation with a high-resolution atomic force microscope. On the basis of the results obtained, the crystallization process of the THF clathrate hydrate can be separated into two stages, namely, the ripening stage in the beginning of hydrate formation and the steady growth stage. In the ripening stage, hydrate crystals undergo the Ostwald ripening process, in which the large central hydrate particle grows slowly, and the small hydrate crystals experience dynamic formation-dissociation. In the steady growth stage, hydrate crystals grow at a relatively higher rate, and special features such as dendrites and protrusion along grain boundaries are observed at the surface of hydrate crystal as caused by the supercooling of the experimental system.

中文翻译：

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基于原子力显微镜原位观察的THF水合物结晶研究

基于高分辨率原子力显微镜的原位观察，研究了硅晶片上四氢呋喃（THF）溶液液滴的结晶过程。基于获得的结果，THF笼形水合物的结晶过程可以分为两个阶段，即，水合物形成开始时的成熟阶段和稳定的生长阶段。在熟化阶段，水合物晶体经历了奥斯特瓦尔德熟化过程，其中较大的中央水合物颗粒缓慢生长，而较小的水合物晶体经历动态的形成-解离。在稳定的生长阶段，水合物晶体以相对较高的速度生长，