In-situ HYDROTHERMAL METHOD FOR GRAPHENE OXIDE/HYDROXYAPATITE SYNTHESIS FROM SCALLOP SHELLS

The graphene oxide/hydroxyapatite composite was synthesized using an in situ hydrothermal method. In this process, scallop shells (Amusium pleuronectes) were used as a source of calcium ions in fabricating the composite. Meanwhile, graphene oxide was exfoliated and oxidized from graphite powder. X-ray diffraction confirms that hydroxyapatite in the composite has a hexagonal structure. Also, the inclusion of graphene into the system did not alter the crystal structure. However, it affected the size of the apatite crystal deposited in the graphene surfaces layer, which was revealed by scanning electron microscopy analysis. The infrared spectra confirm some shiftings of the phosphate bands absorption, indicating electronic interaction between graphene and apatite matrix. Furthermore, from the Electron dispersive X-ray analysis obtained ratio of calcium/phosphate was found to be 1.84.