Crystallization of strontium carbonate in alcohol or water solution containing mixed nonionic/anionic surfactants

The crystallization of strontium carbonate is performed in aqueous solution or alcohol/water solution in the presence of mixed nonionic/anionic surfactants Pluronic F127/sodium dodecyl sulfate. With an increase of the volume ratio of ethanol/water, SrCO3 pancakes transform into flowers, and then to irregular flakes. X-ray diffraction (XRD) pattern reveals that both of pancake-like and flower-like SrCO3 particles are orthorhombic phases. Larger pancakes with porous structure are produced when the content of ethylene glycol reaches a relatively high value. Results indicate that -OH groups of alcohol play an important role in morphological controlling of SrCO3.