Hydrogel-assisted low-temperature synthesis of calcium borate nanoparticles

In recent years, synthesis of inorganic/organic hybrid nanocomposites with the aid of biomaterials has gained much attention due to their biocompatibility, inexpensiveness, and versatility. In this paper, we utilized a novel approach for synthesis of calcium borate nanoparticles at ambient temperature based on the diffusion of calcium and borate ions in gelatin hydrogel. Different properties of particles were evaluated using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). FTIR spectra of particles showed gelatin inclusion in the particle indicative by CH2 stretching, CH2 bending, and gelatin functional group vibrations. The electrostatic interactions between gelatin macromolecules and calcium borate crystals were also proved by HyperChem 8 modeling software. SEM illustrated that the particle morphology depended on the gelatin pH. XRD revealed the presence of crystalline CaB2O4 phase in the nanocomposite particles. Our research stated that gelatin is a useful biopolymer for synthesis and precipitation of calcium borate at ambient temperature. Hence, we propose our particles as promising materials for use in different engineering applications.