Investigation of the Effect of the Type of Precursor and Precipitator on the Structure of Nanoscale Magnesium Carbonate

Within the framework of this work, the influence of the type of precursor and precipitator on the structure of magnesium carbonate is studied. Nanoparticles are obtained by chemical precipitation in an aqueous medium. Magnesium acetate, magnesium nitrate, and magnesium chloride are used as the precursors of magnesium, and potassium carbonate, ammonium carbonate, and sodium carbonate are used as the precipitators. The obtained samples are examined by X-ray diffraction analysis, scanning electron microscopy, and infrared (IR) spectroscopy. It is established that magnesium acetate and ammonium carbonate are optimal precursors and precipitators for the production of magnesium carbonate nanoparticles, respectively, since the particles in this sample have a diameter from 40 to 100 nm. As a result of X-ray diffraction analysis, it is found that three phases of substances are present in the resulting sample: anhydrous magnesium carbonate, Mg₂(CO₃)(OH)₂·3H₂O, and magnesium oxide.