Rapid formation of hydroxyapatite nanostructures by microwave irradiation

Hydroxyapatite (HAp) nanorods, bowknot-like and flower-like nanostructures have been directly synthesized under microwave irradiation. The microwave assisted reactions proceed at fast rates. It is found that the pH value and the complex reagent EDTA play the important roles in synthesis of the final HAp nanostructures. The possible mechanism is discussed for the formation of the HAp nanostructures in the presence of EDTA under microwave irradiation. (C) 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.