Factors controlling and influencing polymorphism, morphology and size of calcium carbonate synthesized through the carbonation route: A review

CaCO3 particles are widely employed in different fields due to their properties, such as tunable size and morphology, tailored porosity and surface area, biocompatibility and nontoxicity. Therefore, many researchers have studied and developed several synthesis methods, even with and without additives. Among them, the synthesis of CaCO3 through the carbonation method can be considered the most eco-friendly and innovative one. A continuously growing research effort has been devoted to this method since it could represent a potential process for CO2 mitigation. Furthermore, this method could involve the use of several wastes as raw inputs, such as flue gases, distiller waste, steel converter slag, oil shale ash, waste concrete, etc., which would reduce the environmental impact of the process. This review article is mainly focused on this approach and the process parameters that affect the yield, particle size, morphology and crystalline phase. The control of size and morphology through different experimental setups and the use of additives is also described. Furthermore, the current uses of CaCO3 in different fields, such as material filling, papermaking, medicine and personal care, are discussed, and its role in these applications is reported.