Control of crystal nucleation and growth of calcium carbonate by synthetic substrates

Construction of organic-inorganic hybrid materials with controlled mineralization analogous to those produced by nature is now of current interest for both organic and inorganic chemists to understand the mechanism of the natural biomineralization process as well as to seek industrial and technological applications. This review provides a general survey of recent research on control of crystal nucleation and growth of calcium carbonate by synthetic substrates from the viewpoint of organic and polymer chemistry. Model systems in which low-molecular-weight, linear polymeric, and dendritic organic additives are used to study the effect of molecular properties such as charge and functionality on inorganic crystallization are providing insights into the possible mechanisms operating in biology. To probe the organic-inorganic interface and resolve some of the molecular events mediating template-directed crystal nucleation and growth, a simple model surface, that is, compressed monolayers at the air/water interface and self-assembled monolayers on a solid surface, was used for the nucleation of oriented inorganic materials. The template-inhibition strategy for the synthesis of CaCO3 thin film has also been reported. Microscale phase separation in reaction media has importance in the synthesis of inorganic materials with unusual form and hierarchical structure. These interesting efforts have led to fundamental developments in areas relating to the biomineralization process, which is expected to be the impetus for the next industrial revolution.