Liquid-crystalline calcium carbonate: biomimetic synthesis and alignment of nanorod calcite

Liquid-crystalline CaCO(3) has been prepared for the first time. The nanorods of CaCO(3) calcite are obtained by bio-inspired crystallization through aqueous colloidal precursors of amorphous CaCO(3) stabilized by poly(acrylic acid). The synthesized calcite nanocrystals have well-tuned morphologies that are preferable for formation of liquid-crystalline phases in concentrated aqueous colloidal solution. The one-dimensional alignment of calcite crystals is achieved by mechanical shearing of the aqueous colloidal solution showing liquid-crystalline phases. These CaCO(3)-based liquid crystals formed by a self-organization process in mild conditions may have great potential for use as environmentally friendly materials.