Synthesis of high surface area CaSO4·0.5H2O nanorods using calcium ethoxide as precursor.

We report a novel solvothermal route for the production of bassanite (CaSO4·0.5H2O) 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 m2 g-1) and enhanced reactivity, are obtained at 78 °C and 1 atm. Such nanoparticles may find application in several fields, including biomaterials, drug delivery, and cultural heritage conservation.