Water: How Does It Influence the CaCO₃ Formation?

Abstract

Nature produces biomineral‐based materials with a fascinating set of properties using only a limited number of elements. This set of properties is obtained by closely controlling the structure and local composition of the biominerals. We are far from achieving the same degree of control over the properties of synthetic biomineral‐based composites. One reason for this inferior control is our incomplete understanding of the influence of the synthesis conditions and additives on the structure and composition of the forming biominerals. In this Review, we provide an overview of the current understanding of the influence of synthesis conditions and additives during different formation stages of CaCO3, one of the most abundant biominerals, on the structure, composition, and properties of the resulting CaCO3 crystals. In addition, we summarize currently known means to tune these parameters. Throughout the Review, we put special emphasis on the role of water in mediating the formation of CaCO3 and thereby influencing its structure and properties, an often overlooked aspect that is of high relevance.

Biomineralization by particle attachment in early animals

“…At a later stage, their morphology is euhedral, and specifically hexagonal pyramidal (Fig. 4 A ), possibly because of a dissolution and (re)crystallization process (33). The inner core of the vaterite spicule remains nanoparticulate and cryofractures accordingly at all stages (Fig.…”

Effect of molten sodium nitrate on the decomposition pathways of hydrated magnesium hydroxycarbonate to magnesium oxide probed byin situtotal scattering

“…30 This observation can probably be linked to a re-arrangement of carbonate ions, compensating for the loss of water and hydroxyl groups around Mg, as has been shown previously for ACC by PDF and empirical potential structural refinement (EPSR) studies. 51,52 The onset of MgO crystallization occurred at ca. 450°C, marked by the growth of a Mg-O and Mg-Mg correlation at 2.11 Å and 2.98 Å that are characteristic for cubic MgO.…”

Biodegradable Inorganic Nanostructured Biomaterials for Drug Delivery

“…Since water is an inducing factor for the crystallization of ACC, [ 105 ] so one strategy is to use organic solvents such as ethanol or methanol instead of water as the solvent. [ 106 ] For example, Dong et al.…”