Abstract
The calcium sulfate crystal system is of considerable fundamental and practical interest, consisting of the three hydrates, gypsum (CaSO4·2H2O), bassanite (CaSO4·0.5H2O), and anhydrite (CaSO4). Each has significant applications; however, synthesis of anhydrite via conventional aqueous methods requires elevated temperatures and therefore high energy costs. Herein, we investigate calcium sulfate crystal growth across a nonmiscible aqueous–organic (hexane or dodecane) interface. This process is visualized via in situ optical microscopy, which produces high magnification videos of the crystal growth process. The use of interferometry, Raman spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction allows the full range of calcium sulfate morphologies and hydrates to be analyzed subsequently in considerable detail. In the case of dodecane, gypsum is the final product, but the use of hexane in an open (evaporating) system results in anhydrite crystals, via gypsum, at room temperature. A dissolution–precipitation mechanism between ne...
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
