Influence of PSSS on the morphology and polymorph of calcium carbonate in the ethanol–water mixed system

The morphogenesis and phase changes of calcium carbonate in an ethanol/water mixed solvent in the presence of polyelectrolyte poly-(sodium 4-styrene-sulfate) (PSSS) were carefully investigated. The results showed that the ethanol volume content in the mixed solvent, temperature, the molar ratio of [CO32−]/[Ca2+] (R), and the concentrations of PSSS and CaCO3 turned out to be important parameters for the control of morphologies and polymorphs of CaCO3. Various morphologies of CaCO3 particles, such as rhombohedras, cubes, flowers, spheres, pancakes, etc. could be obtained dependent on the experimental conditions. Especially, monodispersed spheroid vaterite particles were obtained at the concentration of CaCO3 of 4 mM. In addition, pancake-like vaterite particles were synthesized at 100 °C. This research may provide a promising route for the selective synthesis of other inorganic materials with different morphologies and polymorphs.