Synthesis of micro and nano-sized calcium carbonate particles and their applications

Calcium carbonate nano and micro-particles have a large number of industrial applications due to their beneficial properties such as high porosity, high surface area to volume ratio, non-toxicity and biocompatibility towards bodily fluids. Consequently, there has been significant research to deliver easy ways of synthesising nano and micro-sized calcium carbonate particles at specific sizes, polymorphs and morphologies. A majority of their synthesis approaches are based on either the biomimetic or the CO2 bubbling methods. This review paper describes these methods, and the effects of experimental parameters such as additive types and concentration, pH, temperature, [Ca2+] : [CO32-] ratio, solvent ratio, mixing mode and agitation time on the properties of the particles produced. The current and potential uses of calcium carbonate particles in areas such as material filling, biomedical, environmental and the food industry have also been discussed.