Materials discovery by flux crystal growth: quaternary and higher order oxides.

This Review highlights the application of high-temperature solutions for exploratory crystal growth and materials discovery of novel complex oxides. It provides an overview of the method of flux crystal growth of complex oxides and can function as a "how to" guide for those interested in oxide crystal growth. The most commonly used fluxes are discussed in terms of their applicability for dissolving specific elements and the typical reaction conditions are compiled. A large variety of recent quaternary and higher oxides that have been grown as crystals from fluxes are used to illustrate the power of the flux method to grow oxide crystals containing specific elements.