KHCO3 mineralization self-assembled on aminopropyl organosilica

A catalytic mineralization process for the growth of tubular KHCO 3 microfibers filled with aqueous potassium formate was discussed. The process involved a catalytic cycle via the reproduction of potassium carbamate for growing the KHCO 3 microtubes at the interface between air and polyaminopropyl triethoxysilane (PAPS). The capillary action of the microtubes to acquire aqueous HCO 2 - was also involved in the process. The carbon source for bicarbonate and formate was carbon dioxide present in air. The mechanism gave rise to a novel biomimetic biomineralization strategies for producing hierarchially structured inorganic biomaterials.