colloidal transport mediated by calcium carbonate crystal

Calcium carbonate crystallization and aggregation is a widespread natural phenomenon, from seashell formation to geological deposits. Beyond the growth, aggregation, and migration of the crystals themselves, an intriguing question lies in how the chemical gradients around the crystals drive surrounding colloidal transport. In this study, we combine microfluidic experiments, numerical simulations, and theoretical modeling to explore how calcium carbonate crystallization and aggregation are influenced by interfacial forces in complex fluid environments. We also examine how the crystals shape colloidal transport through ionic exchange with the liquid medium. These insights provide a broader perspective on the classical reaction-diffusion systems, where the interplay between the long- and short-range forces govern the transport processes.