Synthesis, Structure and Luminescence Characterization of Erbium Doped Hydroxyapatite Nanoparticles by Precipitation Method

Abstract

Introduction: Hydroxyapatite, Ca10 (PO4)6(OH)2, a ceramic material is the major inorganic component in bones and teeth of animals and humans. Although erbium is one of the prominent representative elements among the lanthanides, erbium doped hydroxyapatite has not been studied to a greater extent. This study reports the synthesis of erbium doped hydroxyapatite using the simple precipitation method and its structural and optical properties. Objective: The primary objective of this study was to synthesize erbium doped hydroxyapatite and to study the structural and optical properties. Materials and Methods: Nanocrystalline erbium doped hydroxyapatite was successfully prepared using simple precipitation method. Average particle size of the synthesized particle was around 8-10 nm. Results: The typical absorption spectra of the erbium doped hydroxyapatite sample shows almost well defined peaks of the erbium ions. The absorption bands were observed at 360 nm, 373 nm, 448 nm, 490 nm, 524 nm and at 653 nm. The photoluminescence spectrum showed the presence of a green band at 550 nm and a red band which peaked at 750 nm. Conclusion: Spherical shaped nanocrystalline hydroxyapatite, Ca10 (PO4)6(OH)2 substituted with Erbium(III) were obtained using precipitation method. The synthesized Er3+ doped hydroxyapatite can be used for biophotonic applications, which exploits their exquisite optical properties and infrared imaging and several other therapeutic applications.