Morphology Controlled Calcification Caco3: A Doughnut-Shaped Crystal Growth Breaking Through A Carbon Nanobute "Blanket"

Biomimetic calcification has been investigated using poly-carboxylated compounds as calcium ion collectors. In this study, a poly-carboxylated carbon nanotube was synthesized as an ion collector. Using the carbon nanotube derivative for calcification, the morphology and polymorph of CaCO3 were controlled. Nanosized calcium carbonate was selectively produced depending upon the reaction time by using the carbon nanotube derivatives. The crystal grew in a carbon nanotube "knitted blanket" then the product broke through the blanket by further growth of the crystal and reached the surface. In addition, a unique doughnut-like morphology of calcite, a major polymorph of CaCO3, proceeded from the 24 hour reaction.