Controllable Synthesis and Formation Mechanism of Spherical MgCO₃ Prepared Using MgCl₂·6H₂O and Urea via a Deep...

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Inorganic Chemistry
• Green Chemistry

Background:

• Controlling the morphology of anhydrous magnesium carbonate (MgCO3) is crucial for its applications but remains challenging.
• Existing synthesis methods often lack efficiency or environmental friendliness.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a green and efficient strategy for synthesizing morphology-controlled anhydrous MgCO3.
• To investigate the use of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA)-modified deep eutectic solvent (DES) for this purpose.

Main Methods:

• Utilized an EDTA-modified DES as a reaction medium for MgCO3 synthesis.
• Investigated the effects of temperature (160 °C and 180 °C) and reaction time on particle size and morphology.
• Characterized the synthesized MgCO3 using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and infrared (IR) spectroscopy.

Main Results:

• Achieved uniform spherical anhydrous MgCO3 particles with controlled sizes (12.78–20.13 μm) under optimized conditions.
• Confirmed the high purity and anhydrous nature of the synthesized MgCO3 through XRD, IR, and thermogravimetric analysis.
• Demonstrated superior thermal stability of the spherical MgCO3 compared to its cubic counterpart.

Conclusions:

• The EDTA-modified DES method provides an environmentally benign and effective route for synthesizing spherical anhydrous MgCO3.
• EDTA's chelation of Mg2+ ions and regulation of ion release are key to promoting isotropic spherical growth.
• The enhanced thermal stability of the spherical MgCO3 opens avenues for advanced material applications.