Role of liquid water distribution in MgO hydroxylation

Abstract

We demonstrate how the spatial distribution of water on the MgO single crystal surfaces controls the texture of a new phase, Mg(OH)₂, formed during a dissolution–precipitation reaction. Modeled liquid–vapor phase separation near the solid–liquid interface demonstrates the formation of a homogeneous film as opposed to isolated droplets depending on the surface wettability properties. Modeling results confirm that our experimental observation of droplet-like features during formation of Mg(OH)₂ on the MgO surface is driven by the temperature-dependent interfacial properties.