Evolution from Classical to Non-classical Aggregation-Based Crystal Growth of Calcite by Organic Additive Control

Aggregation-based crystal growth is distinct from the classical understanding of solution crystallization. In this study, we reveal that N-stearoyl-l-glutamic acid (C18-Glu, an amphiphile that mimics a biomineralization-relevant biomolecule) can switch calcite crystallization from a classical ion-by-ion growth to a non-classical particle-by-particle pathway, which combines the classical and non-classical crystallization in one system. This growth mechanism change is controlled by the concentration ratio of [C18-Glu]/[Ca2+] in solution. The high [C18-Glu]/[Ca2+] can stabilize precursor nanoparticles to provide building blocks for aggregation-based crystallization, in which the interaction between C18-Glu and the nanoprecursor phase rather than that of C18-Glu on calcite steps is highlighted. Our finding emphasizes the enrollment of organic additives on metastable nano building blocks, which provides an alternative understanding about organic control in inorganic crystallization.