Synthesis and Characterization of Hydroxyapatite and Hydroxyapatite‐Based Catalysts

A solid catalyst should exhibit high activity, high selectivity, and good stability. Hydroxyapatite (HA), which is a calcium phosphate with a Ca/P molar ratio of 1.67, and the derived materials constitute a new promising family of catalytic materials. In fact, HA can be used as a catalyst or catalyst support in several applications, which can be attributed to its specific structure and properties such as the modular molar ratio of Ca/P, the high thermal stability, and the exceptional capacity of ion exchange. The chemical composition, the morphology, and the textural and physicochemical properties of HA and HA-based catalysts strongly depend on the preparation methods that include coprecipitation, sol–gel, emulsion, hydrolysis, mechanosynthesis, etc. This chapter aims to provide a comprehensive summary on the synthesis methods of HA and HA-based catalysts for various chemical applications. The basic characteristics of these materials are also presented. The discussion begins with an introduction, followed by an overview of HA synthesis methods and its properties. Finally, prospects on challenges and opportunities for the development of HA-based catalysts are highlighted.