Control of CaCO3 crystallization by demixing of monolayers.
In this paper we describe how to template a demixed monolayer into a spatially patterned inorganic replica. For this purpose a new amphiphilic monomer was synthesized which can be polymerized both in solution and in the monolayer of a Langmuir-Blodgett (LB) trough. Since it inhibits the crystallization of CaCO3, it can be used--in combination with stearic acid (nucleation-promotor)--to control CaCO3 crystals formed under the monolayer. Investigations of the two-component monolayer (Langmuir isotherms and AFM measurements of transferred films) show--in the biphasic region--demixing in solid analogue stearic acid domains and the liquid analogue phase of the monomer. Crystallization of CaCO3 starts under the stearic acid domains whose size varies from less than 100 nm to several tens of micrometers. The addition of poly(acrylic acid) into the subphase hinders the three-dimensional growth of CaCO3 crystals from the monolayer into the solution. Thus, it becomes possible to transfer the pattern of the demixed domains into an inorganic replica of CaCO3.
Müller
Holger
H
Institutes of Organic Chemistry, Duesbergweg 10-14, Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, D-55099 Mainz, Germany.
Zentel
Rudolf
R
Janshoff
Andreas
A
Janke
Matthias
M
D000180:Acrylic Resins / Q000737:chemistry*; D002119:Calcium Carbonate / Q000737:chemistry*; D003460:Crystallization / Q000379:methods; D008055:Lipids / Q000737:chemistry*; D013229:Stearic Acids / Q000737:chemistry*; D013499:Surface Properties
D000180:Acrylic Resins; D008055:Lipids; D013229:Stearic Acids; C031183:stearic acid; C006903:carbopol 940; D002119:Calcium Carbonate