Nature Communications (Jul 2018)

Microscopic structure of the polymer-induced liquid precursor for calcium carbonate

  • Yifei Xu,
  • Koen C. H. Tijssen,
  • Paul H. H. Bomans,
  • Anat Akiva,
  • Heiner Friedrich,
  • Arno P. M. Kentgens,
  • Nico A. J. M. Sommerdijk

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-018-05006-w
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 9, no. 1
pp. 1 – 12

Abstract

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There is much debate within the field about the complex processes involved in the formation of precursors and mineral crystals. Here, the authors report on a study into the structures formed in the polymer-induced liquid precursor of CaCO3 and suggest a new interpretation of the process.