Dynamic Coherent X-ray Diffraction imaging (CXDI) of Calcium Carbonate growth and precipitation

In nature, we observe precipitation and growth mineralisation from liquids as biomineralisation in the form of bones and protective shells and as the geological formations of stalactites and stalagmites. Calcium carbonate (CaCO3) will be used as a model system for these reactions as the reactions are well-documented protocols. Even with decades of research into precipitation and growth pathways, visualisation of these processes remains challenging. In this proposal, we aim to perform in-situ dynamic coherent X-ray diffraction imaging (CXDI) experiments with CaCO3 to image the nucleation and seeded growth using a supersaturated solution within a custom-made microfluidic sample chamber at < 10 nm resolution.