Control of CaCO3 Crystallization by Demixing of Monolayers

In this paper we describe how to template a demixed monolayer into a spatially patterned inorganic replica. For this purpose a new amphiphilic monomer was synthesized which can be polymerized both in solution and in the monolayer of a Langmuir-Blodgett (LB) trough. Since it inhibits the crystallization of CaCO3, it can be used--in combination with stearic acid (nucleation-promotor)--to control CaCO3 crystals formed under the monolayer. Investigations of the two-component monolayer (Langmuir isotherms and AFM measurements of transferred films) show--in the biphasic region--demixing in solid analogue stearic acid domains and the liquid analogue phase of the monomer. Crystallization of CaCO3 s…