Controlled synthesis of calcium carbonate in a mixed aqueous solution of PSMA and CTAB

A mixed system of poly (styrene-alt-maleic acid) (PSMA) and cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) was used as a very effective crystal growth modifier to direct the controlled synthesis of CaCO3 crystals with various morphologies and polymorphs. The as-prepared products were characterized with scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction. It was found that the concentrations and relative ratios of PSMA and CTAB in the mixed aqueous solution were turned out to be important parameters for the morphology and polymorph of CaCO3 crystals. Various morphologies of CaCO3 crystals, such as hollow microsphere, peanut and so on, were produced depending on the concentrations and relative ratios of PSMA and CTAB. Moreover, the formation mechanisms of CaCO3 crystals with different morphologies were discussed.