Synthesis Of High Surface Area Caso4 Center Dot 0.5h(2)O Nanorods Using Calcium Ethoxide As Precursor

We report a novel solvothermal route for the production of bassanite (CaSO4 center dot 0.5H(2)O) nanoparticles using amorphous Ca-ethoxide as a precursor. Bassanite nanorods, 120-200 nm in length, with the highest specific surface area reported so far (54 m(2) g(-1)) and enhanced reactivity, are obtained at 78 degrees C and 1 atm. Such nanoparticles may find application in several fields, including biomaterials, drug delivery, and cultural heritage conservation.