Synthesis and stabilization of nano-sized magnesium carbonate with hydroxyethyl cellulose

In this work, nanosized magnesium carbonate stabilized by hydroxyethylcellulose was synthesized by chemical precipitation in an aqueous medium. Magnesium acetate was used as a precursor, and ammonium carbonate acted as a precipitant. We optimized the synthesis technique, as a result of which we obtained a ternary surface that characterizes the dependence of the average hydrodynamic radius of nanoparticles on the input parameters. The microstructure of the surface of the obtained samples was studied by scanning electron microscopy and it was found that the sample was formed by rod-shaped particles from 2 to 6 μm in length, the particle size of which varied from 20 to 50 nm. A study of the phase composition showed that the sample consists of 3 phases with different types of crystal lattices. To determine the optimal type of interaction between magnesium carbonate particles and hydroxyethylcellulose, computer quantum chemical modeling was carried out. It was found that the process of stabilization of nano-sized magnesium carbonate and hydroxyethylcellulose is energetically favorable and the interaction occurs through the hydroxyl group. Also, to confirm the modeling results, the samples were examined by Fourier transform IR spectroscopy. Analysis of the results revealed that the interaction of MgCO₃ nanoparticles occurs with the charged OH^– group.