Synthesis and Characterization of Hydroxyapatite Nanoparticles using Sol-Gel Method

Abstract

Hydroxyapatite (HAp) is a unique material having high adsorption capacity of heavy metals, high ion exchange capacity, high biological compatibility, low water solubility, high stability under reducing and oxidizing conditions, availability and low cost. Hydroxyapatite nanoparticles have been synthesized by Sol-gel method using Calcium nitrate tetrahydrate [Ca(NO3)2•4H2O] and Phosphorus pentaoxide (P2O5) as starting reactants. The addition of Phosphorus pentaoxide to Calcium nitrate tetrahydrate was carried out slowly with simultaneous stirring. After addition, solution was aged for 10 minutes for maturation. The precipitate was dried at 80 °C overnight and further heat treated at 550 °C for 2 hours. The dried and calcined particles were characterized by X-ray diffractometry, Fourier transform infra-red spectroscopy and Thermo gravimetric analysis. The particle size and morphology were studied using transmission electron microscopy. TEM examination of the treated powders displayed particles of polygon morphology with dimensions 20-50 nm in length. The FT-IR spectra for sample confirmed the formation of hydroxyapatite.