Luminescent properties of Ca5(PO4)3OH:Gd3+, Pr3+ phosphor powder

Hydroxylapatite (Ca-5(PO4)(3)(OH)) is a well-known bioceramic material for medical application. It is biocompatible meaning that it has the ability to form chemical bonds with living tissues. Phosphate based inorganic compounds doped with rare earth ions form an important family of phosphors for solid state lighting applications [1]. In this study, we prepared (using co-precipitation method) and investigated the structure, morphology, and photoluminescent properties of (Ca-5(PO4)(3)(OH)) co-doped with gadolinium (Gd3+) and praseodymium (Pr3+). The X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns show a hexagonal phase of Ca-5(PO4)(3)(OH) consistent with the standard JCPDS data file No 73-0293. The XRD peaks were sharp and intense suggesting that the phosphor was highly crystalline. The scanning electron microscopic images show that the powders consist of an agglomeration of spherical particles. The photoluminescent spectrum of Ca-5(PO4)(3)(OH):Gd3+, Pr3+ phosphor exhibit a narrow emission peak at 313 nm due to the P-6(7/2)-> S-8(7/2) transition of the Gd3+ ion, and this emission was enhanced by Pr3+ co-doping. The photoluminescent properties of the Ca-5(PO4)(3)(OH):Gd3+, Pr3+ phosphor are evaluated for application in phototherapy lamps.