Non-Equilibrium Synthesis of Whitlockite Assisted by Localized H₂O Vapor Pressure

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Materials Chemistry
• Crystallography

Background:

• Whitlockite (Ca18Mg2(HPO4)2(PO4)12) is vital for bone grafting and regeneration due to its magnesium content and HPO4 group.
• Conventional whitlockite synthesis methods face challenges with strict conditions, particle growth, and compositional uniformity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report an ultrafast and precisely controlled synthesis of whitlockite.
• To investigate the mechanism of whitlockite formation using intense pulsed light (IPL).

Main Methods:

• Utilized an intense pulsed light (IPL) photothermal shock process for whitlockite synthesis.
• Employed carbon microheaters and hydrated precursors to create a unique reaction environment.

Main Results:

• Achieved ultrafast and precisely controlled formation of the whitlockite phase.
• Observed evidence of transient liquid phase and ion diffusion during IPL irradiation.
• Identified a key role for the H2O-rich, high-pressure interface environment in whitlockite formation.

Conclusions:

• The IPL-assisted approach offers an effective strategy for rapid calcium phosphate crystallization.
• This method provides new avenues for the controlled synthesis of complex phosphate phases like whitlockite.
• The technique is promising for bioceramic fabrication for bone regeneration applications.