MgCO3·3H2O and MgO complex nanostructures: controllable biomimetic fabrication and physical chemical properties

Abstract

In this paper, we report a method of biomimetic synthesis of MgCO₃·3H₂O and MgOViburnum opulus-like complex nanostructures with superhydrophobicity and adsorption properties. The MgCO₃·3H₂O complex nanostructures can be obtained by changing experimental parameters, including concentrations of reactants (dextran and MgCl₂), molar ratios of reactants, and reaction time. The phase structure of as-synthesized samples was characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD). The morphology and structure are studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy. The MgCO₃·3H₂O complex nanostructures exhibited superhydrophobicity, due to their unique superstructures, and was proved by the contact angle (CA) measurement. We also show that a simple calcination of these unusually shaped MgCO₃·3H₂O results in spontaneous formation of MgO complex nanostructures while the unique shape can be maintained, and the as-synthesized MgO nanostructures show excellent adsorption property. These unique structures and properties will open up a wide range of potential applications in material and environmental protection.