Characterization and Optical Properties of Cobalt-Doped β-Tricalcium Phosphate Nanoparticles: Microwave Refluxing and High-Temperature Sintering

Authors

  • Ammar Z. Alshemary 1Nanomaterials Research Center, Department of Chemistry, College of Science, Mathematics and Technology, Wenzhou-Kean University, 88 Daxue Road, Ouhai, Wenzhou 325060, Zhejiang Province, China Zhejiang Bioinformatics International Science and Technology Cooperation Center, Ouhai, Wenzhou 325060, Zhejiang Province, China Dorothy and George Hennings College of Science, Mathematics and Technology, Kean University, 1000 Morris Ave, Union, NJ 07083, USA
  • Betül Sarsık Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Karabuk University, Karabuk, 78050, Turkey
  • Marwah Muwafaq Almozani 5Scientific Research Center, Al-Ayen Iraqi University, Thi-Qar, 64001, Iraq
  • Firas Rahi Alhachami Department of Biology, College of Education for Pure Science, Wasit University, Al-Kut, Iraq
  • İsmail Seçkin Çardaklı Department of Metallurgical and Materials Engineering, Atatürk University, Erzurum, 25240, Turkey
  • Ali Motameni Department of Metallurgical and Materials Engineering, Middle East Technical University, Ankara, Turkey

Abstract

This study investigates the synthesis, characterization, and optical properties of cobalt-doped β-tricalcium phosphate (Co-βTCP) nanoparticles prepared via microwave refluxing and sintered at 1000°C for 2 hours. Incorporating Co2+ ions into the βTCP structure significantly influences its microstructural and optical properties. X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD) reveals a contraction of the crystal lattice upon Co2+ doping, attributed to the substitution of larger Ca2+ ions (ionic radius 0.099 nm) with smaller Co2+ ions (ionic radius 0.074 nm). This reduces lattice parameters, cell volume, crystallinity, and smaller crystallite sizes. The degree of crystallinity decreases from 89.56% for pure β-TCP to 57.81% for 3Co-β-TCP. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) shows that Co2+ doping produces more homogeneous powder with enhanced interconnectivity while maintaining a spheroidal agglomerated structure. The average particle size decreases from approximately 300 nm for pure βTCP to 246 nm for 3Co-βTCP. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy confirms the successful integration of Co2+ ions into the βTCP lattice, evidenced by peak broadening and intensity reduction. Notably, incorporating Co2+ ions induces a striking colour change from white to pink, with intensity proportional to cobalt concentration. UV-Vis spectroscopy reveals characteristic absorption peaks at 530 and 678 nm, associated with Co2+ electronic transitions. The unique optical properties of Co2+ ions doped in βTCP open up new possibilities for its use in bioimaging and drug delivery systems.

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Published

2026-03-20

Issue

Vol. 58 No. 1 (2026)

Section

Articles