A novel sonochemical synthesis of antlerite nanorods

Antlerite - Cu3(OH)4SO4 was prepared, for the first time, by the sonochemical method from an aqueous solution of CuSO4, without any additives. The source of OH(-) is a result of protonation of SO4(2-) forming HSO4(-) and OH(-). The extreme local conditions inside the cavity that are developed during the bubble collapse (pressure is above 1000atm and the temperature is higher than 5000K) lead to the formation of the crystalline mineral. A suggested mechanism for the mineral formation is proposed. Due to the collapse of the bubbles, the distances between the opposite charge Cu(2+) and SO4(2-) ions is shortened and a crystallization process is initiated. In addition, the reaction is a one-step process with short irradiation time of less than 30min. The chemo-physical analysis of the sonochemically obtained product has revealed the presence of single phase antlerite nanorods.