Combustion synthesis of Ce3+, Eu3+ and Dy3+ activated NaCaPO4 phosphors

The preparation of NaCaPO4 doped with rare earth (RE) ions Ce3+, Eu3+ and Dy3+ by combustion method was described. Under UV excitation (251 nm) of NaCaPO4:Ce3+ showsd emission (367 nm) in UV range. When NaCaPO4:Dy3+ phosphor was excited at 349 nm, the emission spectrum showed intense bands at 482 nm (blue) and 576 nm (yellow). In Eu activated NaCaPO4 phosphor, the emission spectrum showed a dominant peak at 594 nm (orange) while others were at 614 and 621 nm (red) when excited at 393 nm. The prepared phosphor was characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM) and photoluminescence (PL) measurement. Thus, the photoluminescence behavior of NaCaPO4:Ce3+ was strongly suggested for scintillator. Likewise, Eu3+ and Dy3+ activated NaCaPO4 phosphors were recommended for near-UV white light-emitting diodes (LEDs).