Qualitative discussion of prenucleation cluster role in crystallization of calcium carbonate under high concentration of magnesium based on experimental phenomena

Crystallization of calcium carbonate under high concentration of magnesium was studied. Interesting phenomena were observed. Approximately 80% of calcium ions stably existed in the solution up to 60 min after amorphous calcium carbonate was separated by centrifugation, and induction time was significantly affected by concentration and feeding rate of sodium carbonate when other operating conditions remained unchanged. Experiments and computer simulation have proved that prenucleation cluster exists during crystallization of calcium carbonate in solutions. This paper tried to figure out specific crystallization process of calcium carbonate under high concentration of magnesium, and to interpret unforeseen phenomena combining with the idea of prenucleation cluster. With regarding prenucleation cluster which can incorporate magnesium into its structure as amorphous calcium carbonate, most of the phenomena including significant influence of local mixing could be better understood. Prenucleation cluster played an important role in crystallization of calcium carbonate, which was related to the induction time, morphology and final product, thus more fundamental studies of prenucleation cluster structure and magnesium role in it should be done. (C) 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.