A simple sol-gel technique for synthesis of nanostructured hydroxyapatite, tricalcium phosphate and biphasic powders

Hydroxyapatite (HAP), beta-tricalcium phosphate (beta-TCP) and biphasic calcium phosphate (BCP) nanocrystalline powders were prepared by a simple sol-gel approach. Because of the unique characteristic of the phosphorous source ((CH(3)O)(3)P) and the proper uses of calcic and phosphorous sources with Ca/P molar ratio between 1.4 and 1.67, three different kinds of nanostructured calcium phosphate powders were achieved by changing the ratio of calcic and phosphorous sources. For HAP and beta-TCP, pure phases were prepared. For BCP, the proportion of HAP and beta-TCP could be changed by thermal treatment. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.