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Molecular and Ionic Solids

Molecular and Ionic Solids

Crystalline solids are divided into four types: molecular, ionic, metallic, and covalent network based on the type of constituent units and their interparticle interactions.
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Updated: May 26, 2026

From Molecules to Materials: Engineering New Ionic Liquid Crystals Through Halogen Bonding

From Molecules to Materials: Engineering New Ionic Liquid Crystals Through Halogen Bonding

Published on: March 24, 2018

Stable prenucleation mineral clusters are liquid-like ionic polymers.

Raffaella Demichelis¹, Paolo Raiteri, Julian D Gale

¹Department of Chemistry, Nanochemistry Research Institute, Curtin University, PO Box U1987, Perth, Western Australia 6845, Australia.

Nature Communications

|December 22, 2011

Summary

Stable prenucleation clusters of calcium carbonate are ionic polymers, not classical nuclei. This discovery explains non-classical amorphous calcium carbonate formation and growth, challenging existing biomineralization models.

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Published on: February 5, 2022

Area of Science:

Geochemistry
Materials Science
Biomineralization

Background:

Calcium carbonate forms diverse mineral structures through biomineralization.
Classical models of mineral formation differ from recent observations of stable prenucleation clusters.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the structure and behavior of calcium carbonate prenucleation clusters.
To reconcile experimental observations with classical nucleation theory.

Main Methods:

Computer simulations were employed to model cluster formation.
Experimental data analysis was integrated with simulation results.

Main Results:

Prenucleation clusters are identified as an ionic polymer of calcium and carbonate ions.
These clusters exhibit a dynamic topology with chains, branches, and rings.
The precursor is disordered, flexible, and highly hydrated.

Conclusions:

The ionic polymer model explains the formation of liquid-like amorphous calcium carbonate states.
This finding provides a basis for understanding non-classical amorphous calcium carbonate growth.
The study challenges traditional views on early-stage mineral formation.