Molecular recognition controls the organization of mixed self-organized bis-urea-based mineralization templates for CaCO(3).
To investigate the role and importance of nondirectional electrostatic interactions in mineralization, we explored the use of Langmuir monolayers in which the charge density can be tuned using supramolecular interactions. It is demonstrated that, in mixed Langmuir monolayers of bis-ureido surfactants containing oligo(ethylene oxide) and ammonium head groups associated with matching or nonmatching spacers between the two urea groups, the organization is controlled by molecular recognition. These different organizations of the molecules lead to different nucleation behavior in the mineralization of calcium carbonate. The formation of modified calcite and vaterite crystals was induced selectively by different phases of mixed monolayers, and they were characterized by SEM, TEM, and SAED. To understand the influence of the mixed Langmuir monolayers on the crystallization process, we studied the mixtures by means of (pi-A) isotherms and Brewster angle microscopy observations. Infrared reflection-absorption spectroscopy experiments were also performed on Langmuir-Schaefer films. From these results, we conclude that the local organization of the two systems discussed here gives rise to differences in both charge density and flexibility that together determine not only polymorph selection and the nucleation face but also the morphology of the resulting crystals.
Pichon
Benoît P
BP
Laboratory of Macromolecular and Organic Chemistry and Department of Polymer Technology, Eindhoven University of Technology, 5600 MB, Eindhoven, The Netherlands.
Cantin
Sophie
S
Smulders
Maarten M J
MM
Vos
Matthijn R J
MR
Chebotareva
Natalia
N
Popescu
Daniela C
DC
van  Asselen
Otto
O
Perrot
Françoise
F
Sijbesma
Rint
R
Sommerdijk
Nico A J M
NA
D002119:Calcium Carbonate / Q000737:chemistry*; D003460:Crystallization; D008567:Membranes, Artificial; D015394:Molecular Structure; D010316:Particle Size; D011092:Polyethylene Glycols / Q000737:chemistry; D000644:Quaternary Ammonium Compounds / Q000737:chemistry; D013499:Surface Properties; D013501:Surface-Active Agents / Q000737:chemistry*; D014508:Urea / Q000737:chemistry*
D008567:Membranes, Artificial; D000644:Quaternary Ammonium Compounds; D013501:Surface-Active Agents; D011092:Polyethylene Glycols; D014508:Urea; D002119:Calcium Carbonate