Synthesis and characterization of hydroxyapatite/titania nanocomposites using in situ precipitation technique

Hydroxyapatite/titania nanocomposites were successfully synthesized by in situ precipitation of precursor matters from hydroxyapatite and titania at 70 °C with different hydroxyapatite/titania ratios. X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, Brunauer–Emmett–Teller surface, scanning and transmission electron microscopes were employed to characterize the prepared nanocomposite powders. X-ray diffraction results indicated that hydroxyapatite and anatase (TiO2) were the major crystalline phases. By increasing the amount of titania nano-particles, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy revealed that (PO4)3− bands at 567, 1033 cm−1 decreased. Brunauer–Emmett–Teller surface results also showed a reduction in surface areas of nanocomposites. Transmission electron microscope observations revealed that the aspect ratio of hydroxyapatite/TiO2 nanocrystals increased by increasing TiO2 proportion in nanocomposites. The observed nanorod crystals tended to thin, elongated and plate-like in shape.

► HAp/TiO2 nanocomposites are synthesized by in situ precipitation at 70 °C.
► HAp and anatase (TiO2) are the major crystalline phases of HAp/TiO2 nanocomposites.
► There is a homogenous distribution of HAp and TiO2 phases in HAp/TiO2 nanocomposites.
► The amount of TiO2 in the nanocomposites had an influence on the aspect ratio of crystal particles.
► By increasing the titania nanoparticles, surface area of the nanocomposites decreased.