Effect of carbon nanomaterials on calcium carbonate crystallization

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Anderson, Robin E. | Barron, Andrew R.

Affiliations: Department of Chemistry and the Richard E. Smalley Institute for Nanoscale Science and Technology, Rice University, Houston, Texas 77005

Note: [] Corresponding author. E-mail: [email protected]

Abstract: The addition of the water-soluble carbon nanomaterials, fullerenol (C60(OH)n), hydroxylated single walled carbon nanotubes (HO-SWNTs) and isophthalic acid functionalized-SWNTs (IPA-SWNTs), alter the morphology and crystal phase of CaCO3 precipitates form aqueous solution. CaCO3 precipitation in the presence of C60(OH)n results in the formation of spherical features, 5-pointed flower shaped clusters, and triangular crystals as opposed to the usual rhombic crystals. In addition, the meta-stable vaterite phase is observed with the addition of C60(OH)n. The effect on crystal growth of the C60(OH)n is not a simple function of the pH of the solution, although it may be due to reactivity of the hydroxyl groups. Precipitation with water-soluble HO-SWNT and IPA-SWNTs produces CaCO3 coated SWNTs with the CaCO3 being amorphous rather than crystalline.

Keywords: Calcium, Single walled carbon nanotube, C60, Crystallization, Morphology

DOI: 10.1080/10241220600649786

Journal: Main Group Chemistry, vol. 4, no. 4, pp. 279-289, 2005