Bin Deng

Characterization of Crystalline Hydroxyapatite Thin Coatings for Biomedical Applications

Crystalline hydroxyapatite thin coatings have been prepared using a novel opposing RF magnetron sputtering approach at room temperature. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis shows that all the principal peaks are attributable to HA, and the as-deposited HA coatings are made up of crystallites in the size range of 50-100nm. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) studies reveal the existence of phosphate, carbonate and hydroxyl groups, suggesting that HA coatings are carbonated. Finally, in vitro cell culture experiments have demonstrated that murine osteoblast cells attach and grow well on the as-sputtered coatings. These results encourage further studies of hydroxyapatite thin coatings prepared by the opposing RF magnetron sputtering approach as a promising candidate for next-generation bioimplant materials.

Dicerium orthosilicate selenide and dicerium orthosilicate telluride, Ce2(SiO4)Q (Q = Se or Te)

The crystal structures of two new quaternary compounds, viz. dicerium orthosilicate selenide and dicerium orthosilicate telluride, Ce(2)(SiO(4))Q (Q = Se or Te), have been determined from single-crystal X-ray diffraction data. Each structure comprises infinite chains of SiO(4) tetrahedra separated by Ce and Q atoms. The site symmetries are Ce m and 2, Si 2 and Q m. The O atoms are in general positions.