Preparation and Growth Mechanism of Nesquehonite Crystal Crystals by Bubble Template Method with Magnesite

Nesquehonite (MgCO₃·3H₂O) crystals were prepared by the method for bubble template using magnesite as raw material. The effects of CO₂, air and N₂ bubbles on the phase composition and morphology of the crystals were investigated. The results showed that the products obtained are nesquehonite crystals with different morphologies under the assistance of CO₂, air and N₂. When N₂ bubbles with a size of 1 μm are introduced for 60 min, the obtained products are smooth rod-like and radial crystals; when bubbles are introduced for 120 min, the obtained products are polyhedral and radial crystals. The N₂ bubbles were used as bubble boundary templates, and the crystals grew along the surface of the bubbles to form new rod-like branches of nesquehonite. Finally, irregular polyhedral and radial nesquehonite crystals were constructed.