Preparation of Yttrium Phosphate and Yttrium-Doped Calcium Phosphate Microspheres via Hydrated Ions Exchange

Yttrium (Y)-based bioceramics are important materials in radiation therapy and biomedical applications. This paper describes a low-temperature method to prepare yttrium phosphate (YPO4) and Y-doped calcium phosphate (Y-CaP) microspheres using CaP microspheres as template. The as-formed microspheres were characterized using X-ray diffraction, fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscope, and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, confirming the formation of YPO4 and Y-CaP microspheres. The process was based on the dehydration effect of ethanol to CaP materials and hydrated ions transportation in amorphous CaP microspheres. The procedure, owing to its simplicity, may provide a new sight for the preparation of Y or rare earth elements-based bioceramic materials.