ISSN print edition: 0366-6352 ISSN electronic edition: 1336-9075 Registr. No.: MK SR 9/7 Published monthly

Synthesis of brushite nanoparticles at different temperatures

Sujata Singh, Vaishali Singh, Saroj Aggarwal, and Uttam Kumar Mandal

University School of Basic and Applied Sciences, GGS Indraprastha University, Kashmere Gate, Delhi, 110403, India

E-mail: uttammandal@rediffmail.com

Received: 25 July 2009  Revised: 1 October 2009  Accepted: 8 October 2009

Abstract: Phase pure, stable nanocrystalline brushite particles with average diameter in the range of 23–87 nm were obtained by the reverse microemulsion technique employing a mixture of surfactants (Aliquat 336 & Tween 80) as template directing agents, and calcium nitrate tetrahydrate and biammonium hydrogen phosphate as precursors. Particle sizes and morphologies were tuned by adjusting the reaction parameters, precursor concentration and temperature. FTIR, TEM, and XRD were used to characterize morphological changes of as synthesized nanoparticles. FTIR and XRD analyses confirmed the formation of brushite nanoparticles. Variations in the reaction temperature resulted in changes in the particle morphology and distribution. At high temperatures (60°C), the sample exhibited high monodispersity and spherical morphology with the average grain size of 42 nm. At low temperatures (6°C), nanoflakes were formed. The results suggest that a reverse microemulsion system provides facile media for control of the phase and morphology of nanoscale calcium phosphate biominerals. A mechanism providing an insight into the formation of brushite particles has also been proposed.

Keywords: reverse microemulsion - brushite - mixed surfactants - nanoparticle - morphology

Full paper is available at www.springerlink.com.

DOI: 10.2478/s11696-010-0032-8

Chemical Papers 64 (4) 491–498 (2010)