It was supposed to be impossible, but researchers from Sweden have succeeded in manufacturing an anhydrous form of magnesium carbonate at synthesis temperatures well below 100°C. Not only that, but the material turned out to be micro-porous and amorphous (non-crystalline) and its properties are said to be game changing – over 800m2/g in surface area, better water adsorption ability than any other similar material and all at a very low manufacturing cost. The researchers who are currently testing this fascinating material foresee numerous new applications – one of which is to enhance the solubility of drugs. Having carried out some initial tests with poorly soluble drugs they have already found three products for which they can improve the solubility.
The magnesium carbonate material – which has been given the name Upsalite – also has the potential to control environmental moisture with a relatively low energy cost, and therefore has potential applications in humidity control, sometimes necessary for the production of pharmaceuticals and key to sectors such as electronics. It can also be used for the collection of toxic waste, chemicals or oil spills and for odour control and sanitation following fires.
Johan Goméz de la Torre, researcher at the Nanotechnology and Functional Materials Division, explained why its synthesis is so remarkable. ‘In contrast to what has been claimed for more than 100 years in the scientific literature, we have found that anhydrous and amorphous magnesium carbonate can be made in a very simple, low-temperature process’.
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