Effect of agar hydrogel and magnesium ions on the biomimetic mineralization of calcium carbonate

Here, agar hydrogel was selected as diffusion medium and template to control the biomimetic mineralization of calcium carbonate (CaCO3). Due to three dimensional network structures and abundant functional groups (such as, hydroxyl groups), Ca2+ ions were uniformly distributed in the network and electrostatically attracted. The diffusion speed and range of CO32− ions were mediated by the concentration of hydrogel medium. Under the synergistic effect of Mg2+ ions, the crystal CaCO3 was induced by gas phase diffusion method in the hydrogel system. The results showed that the concentrations of Mg2+ ions and agar hydrogel had no obvious effect on the calcite phase of CaCO3, but the morphologies and sizes changed with concentrations of medium and Mg2+ ions. Attribute to template effect, the crystallization behavior and growth rate of CaCO3 crystals were regulated. Since Mg2+ ions were easily adsorbed on the surfaces of unit cell, the unique structure of CaCO3 was precisely controlled. This study provides a useful reference and inspiration for the understandings of the contributions of ion supply rate in bio-mineralization and hydrogel medium in biomimetic mineralization. The gas of CO2 coming from the decomposition of ammonium bicarbonate acted as the carbon source to induce the mineralization of CaCO3 in the Ca2+/Mg2+- hydrogel. [Display omitted] •The agar hydrogel used as reaction and diffusion medium to control the bio-mineralization of CaCO3.•The structure of CaCO3 was precisely controlled by Mg2+ ions.•Gas phase diffusion method was selected to synthesize CaCO3.