Biopolymer-assisted green synthesis and characterization of calcium hydroxide nanoparticles

The use of biopolymers in the synthesis of different nanostructures can be a cost effective and eco-friendly approach. In the present study, a facile and "green" sol gel method was employed for preparing calcium hydroxide nanoparticles (Ca(OH)(2)-NPs) in gelatin matrix as a bio-template. Prepared nanoparticles were characterized by different instruments such as powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (EBSEM), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The PXRD analysis revealed hexagonal Ca(OH)(2)-NPs with preferential orientation in (101) reflection plane. They are hexagonal in shape with a mean particle size of approximately 42 nm in thickness. The synthesized Ca(OH)(2)-NPs using gelatin were found to be comparable to those obtained from conventional methods using hazardous capping/stabilizing polymeric agents or surfactants and this route can be an excellent alternative for the synthesis of Ca(OH)(2)-NPs using biomaterials. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ltd and Techna Group S.r.l. All rights reserved.