A nonclassical pathway to biomimetic strained SrSO4 crystals†
Abstract
Biomimetic strained SrSO4 crystals were produced through a nonclassical pathway involving fiber-by-fiber accumulation with poly(acrylic acid) in an aqueous solution system. Polymer-stabilized fibrous hydrate crystals 20–40 nm wide and several micrometers long were formed in the initial stage. Spindle-shaped microrods of SrSO4 were then constructed by oriented attachment of the hydrous fibrils and subsequent dehydration. The strained structure of the anhydrous SrSO4 crystals is similar to biogenic SrSO4 spines of acantharian species, a marine unicellular holoplanktonic protist.
- This article is part of the themed collection: Editor’s Collection: Non-classical crystallization processes