The impact of surfactants on nanosphere zinc phosphate synthesis

Abstract Recently, biomaterials have attracted widespread concern because of their compatibilities with live bodies. Among advanced biomaterials, zinc phosphate nanospheres particles are potential candidates for delivering drug and dental restorations. However, their fabrication methods are complicated and non-eco-friendly. In this study, we report the impact of surfactant supplements on the wet chemical preparation of zinc phosphate. Experimentally, Di-propylene glycol (DPG) and Trimethylolpropane (TMP) were added to the solution in the preparation step to compare the morphology of synthesized particles with the non-surfactant process. The morphology was examined by transmission electron microscopy. The addition of surfactants changed particle shape to spherical with a diameter of less than 200 nm. Moreover, the synthesized particles with DPG had a solid form, while those with TMP had a hollow structure (a diameter of 50-70 nm and shell thickness of 5-7 nm). Furthermore, X-ray diffraction, Fourier transforms infrared, and Thermogravimetric analyses analyzed properties of hollow particles.