Synthesis of stoichiometric nano crystalline hydroxyapatite by ethanol-based sol–gel technique at low temperature

• Published in: Journal of crystal growth 2004-03, Vol.263 (1-4), p.517-523
• Main Authors: Kuriakose, T.Anee, Kalkura, S.Narayana, Palanichamy, M., Arivuoli, D., Dierks, Karsten, Bocelli, G., Betzel, C.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: A1. Biomaterials; A1. Nanocrystalline; A2. Sol–gel; B1. Stoichiometric hydroxyapatite; Chemical synthesis methods; Cross-disciplinary physics: materials science; rheology; Exact sciences and technology; Materials science; Methods of nanofabrication; Nanocrystalline materials; Nanoscale materials and structures: fabrication and characterization; Physics
• ISSN: 0022-0248; 1873-5002
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jcrysgro.2003.11.057

A relatively easy method to synthesize pure, stable, stoichiometric nano crystalline hydroxyapatite (Ca10(PO4)6(OH)2, HAP) at low temperature by sol–gel route is presented. Equimolar solutions of Ca(NO3)24H2O and (NH4)2HPO4 dissolved in ethanol were used in the synthesis at 85°C. The product was sintered at 400°C, 750°C and 1200°C. They were characterized by chemical analysis, XRD, FT-IR, SEM and TGA/DTG. The synthesized HAP was found to be stable upto 1200°C without any by-products. The SEM analysis indicated presence of pores in the crystal planes. These pores might be important for biomedical applications as they could enhance the adhesion between the natural and synthesized bone apatite. Dynamic Light Scattering analysis revealed the presence of nanocrystalline HAP of size 1.3 nanometer radius in the samples synthesized using this technique.