CONTROLLED DOUBLE-JET PRECIPITATION OF SPARINGLY SOLUBLE SALTS - A METHOD FOR THE PREPARATION OF HIGH ADDED VALUE MATERIALS

In recent years considerable attention is given to the development of methods for the preparation of microcrystals with a narrow crystal size distribution (CSD). One promising technique, been developed for the preparation of silver halides crystals, is controlled double-jet precipitation (CDJP). In the CDJP the cation and anion solutions are added simultaneously through separate input lines to a stirred solution of a lyophilic polymer. The formation and growth of monodisperse microcrystals in the bulk of crystallizer and the nucleation of unstable nuclei or primary particles formed near jets occur simultaneously during the whole run. The monodisperse particles are prepared if these unstable nuclei or primary particles continuously disappear from the system by controlled Ostwald ripening or controlled agglomeration, and the matter serves as a source for the growth of constant number of stable particles. The objective of this contribution is to survey this unique precipitation technique while the concept of CDJP can be used in general for the precipitation of various sparingly soluble salts.