Controlled synthesis and enhanced luminescence of europium-doped fluorine-substituted hydroxyapatite nanoparticles

Abstract

Europium-doped fluorine-substituted hydroxyapatite (Eu:FHAp) nanoparticles with different morphologies were synthesized by a simple hydrothermal method. The structure, composition, morphology, and luminescence of the products were investigated by means of X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and fluorescence spectroscopy. The prepared Eu:FHAp had a nanorod-like shape and their aspect ratios dropped when the pH of the solution was increased from 3.0 to 11.0. The luminescence intensity of the products increased significantly with increasing substitution of OH⁻ with F⁻. The nanoparticles did not adversely affect the growth of hela cells, which indicates that they have potential applications as fluorescent cell labeling agents.