Comparison of Double Diffusion, Double Diffusion Membrane, and Dual Membrane Methods for Synthesizing Morphologically Controlled Calcite Crystals
The double diffusion method, the dual membrane method, and the double diffusion membrane method were utilized to synthesize 10μm diameter cylindrical calcium carbonate crystals over a concentration range of 0.01M-0.5M to determine which method would produce the highest number of crystals while minimizing overgrowth. Optical microscopy was employed to analyze the crystal growth and crystal overgrowth distribution present on the polymeric template. It was observed that for concentrations in excess of 0.1M and for concentration of approximately 0.01M the only method capable of producing morphologically controlled calcite crystals was the double diffusion method. At a concentration of 0.05M both methods are alternatives to synthesizing calcite crystals, but the dual membrane method and the double diffusion membrane method are more effective at controlling overgrowth although fewer crystals are produced. Cylindrical calcium carbonate crystals were obtained with all methods independent of the concentration. This project determined that the double diffusion membrane method and the dual membrane method are only capable of minimizing overgrowth at 0.05M and that for all other concentrations the traditional double diffusion is preferable.