Synthesis and characterization of nanobelt-shaped Na, F and carbonate multi-substituted hydroxyapatite

•NFCH is synthesized by electrochemical deposition and ion exchange.•NFCH shows nanobelt shape with a thickness of 5–40 nm.•NFCH exhibits excellent in-vitro biocompatibility.

Na, F and carbonate multi-substituted hydroxyapatite (NFCH) with nanobelt shape has been synthesized using a combined method of ultrasound-assisted electrochemical deposition and ion exchange. The morphology, microstructure and in-vitro bioactivity of the NFCH are analyzed. The results show that the nanobelt-shaped NFCH are 5–40 nm in thickness, 250–700 nm in width and tens of micrometers in length. The nanobelt-shaped NFCH is oriented randomly and interlocked with each other on carbon/carbon composite substrates. The nanobelt-shaped NFCH could induce the precipitation of apatite layers with Ca/P molar ratios of 1.34–1.51 on its surface in simulated body fluid, exhibiting excellent in-vitro biocompatibility. The nanobelt-shaped NFCH should have potential application as reinforcement phase for bioactive coatings or as scaffold for tissue engineering.