Sol–gel synthesis and UVB luminescence in Sr2P2O7:Gd3+, Ce3+ phosphors for phototherapy applications

In this study, a series of Gd[Formula: see text], Ce[Formula: see text] doped Sr 2 P 2 O 7 phosphors synthesized by a novel method utilizing stearic acid sol–gel are reported. Structural analysis performed by X-ray diffraction (XRD) pattern revealed that doping of trivalent lanthanide ions did not change the orthorhombic structure possessed by Sr 2 P 2 O 7 matrix and also confirmed the phase purity and crystallinity of the phosphor. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) micrograph confirms its surface morphology and particle size in the range of 50[Formula: see text]nm to [Formula: see text]m. Photoluminescence (PL) studies revealed that PL emission for Gd[Formula: see text] and Ce[Formula: see text]-doped Sr 2 P 2 O 7 phosphor gives significant emissions which are suitable for application in UV-LEDs for phototherapy portable devices.