Synthesis of calcium phosphate fluoride hybrid hollow spheres

We demonstrate the synthesis of calcium phophate fluoride hybrid hollow spheres with well controlled size and morphology through self assembly process using Poly (ethylene oxide)–poly (propylene oxide)–poly (ethylene oxide) triblock copolymer (Pluronic P123) as the template. The diameter and the shell thickness of the hollow spheres is typically in the range of 100–600 nm and 150–200 nm respectively. Scanning electron microscope (SEM), Energy dispersive X-ray spectrometer (EDX), Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and N2 adsorption–desorption analyses confirmed that well organized hollow spherical structures have been developed. The formation mechanism is attributed to the change in the hydrophobic–hydrophilic balance by the fluoride ions (F−). Our result provides a simple route for the synthesis of inorganic hollow spheres by templating strategies.

► This work presents the first example of the synthesis of Ca–F–P–O hybrid hollow sphere using P123 as the template.
► The method for synthesis hybrid hollow Ca–F–P–O nanospheres is simple and can be applicable to other systems.
► Ca–F–P–O hybrid hollow sphere is of special interest for nanoscience and biomedical engineering etc.