Abstract
Abstract Amorphous phases typically serve as pivotal intermediates in biomineralization and functional materials synthesis due to their high reactivity and metastability. However, the stability and crystallization pathways of amorphous phases depend on many factors and are difficult to control. Amorphous basic copper carbonate (ABCC), or georgeite, is a key precursor of basic copper carbonate (BCC) and other copper-based functional materials with great potential for application. In this work, combining various in situ and ex situ characterization techniques, a comprehensive view on the stability and crystallization pathways of ABCC is provided. The results indicate that the structure and particle size of ABCC prepared at different initial concentrations are slightly different, which drastically influence their thermal stability under heating in air. Furthermore, the transformation from ABCC to BCC in aqueous solution proceeds via the attachment of nanoparticles, where the interfacial structural rearrangement during aggregation dominated the crystallization kinetics. This observations challenge the classical view of crystallization that nucleation barrier or the supersaturation controls the crystallization kinetic. This study can help researchers further understand the crystallization mechanism from amorphous to crystalline phase and provide guidance for stabilizing the amorphous phase.
Jilin Wang
Professor at Guilin University of Technology
Professor at the College of Materials Science and Engineering, Guilin University of Technology; Guangxi Bayi Young Top Talent; research interests include thin-film solar cells and their encapsulation thermal management, boron nitride nanomaterials, and advanced ceramics.
Fei Long
Professor at Guilin University of Technology
Professor at the College of Materials Science and Engineering, Guilin University of Technology; Guangxi Distinguished Expert; research interests include compound semiconductor thin-film materials and devices, and the development and industrialization of fine calcium carbonate.
Zhengyi Fu
Academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering
Academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering, Professor at Wuhan University of Technology.
Zhaoyong Zou
Professor
My research interests include bioprocess inspired fabrication, crystallization and ceramics.