A nonclassical pathway to biomimetic strained SrSO4 crystals

Abstract

Biomimetic strained SrSO₄ crystals were produced through a nonclassical pathway involving fiber-by-fiber accumulation with poly(acrylic acid) in an aqueous solution system. Polymer-stabilized fibrous hydrate crystals 20–40 nm wide and several micrometers long were formed in the initial stage. Spindle-shaped microrods of SrSO₄ were then constructed by oriented attachment of the hydrous fibrils and subsequent dehydration. The strained structure of the anhydrous SrSO₄ crystals is similar to biogenic SrSO₄ spines of acantharian species, a marine unicellular holoplanktonic protist.