UVC emitting phosphors obtained by spray pyrolysis

The broadband inter-configurational (4f15d1→4f2) emission of Pr3+ doped in lanthanum orthophosphate (LaPO4) and in calcium pyrophosphate (Ca2P2O7) has been investigated under plasma excitation. The synthesis by spray pyrolysis at moderate temperature followed by a controlled annealing proves to be a very efficient way to produce good quality UVC emitting phosphor Ca1.92Pr0.04Na0.04P2O7 (α phase). The emission of this phosphor in the wavelength range 200–350nm has been measured with a prototype device, which can be employed for anti-microbial testing. ► The Pr3+ doped orthophosphate and pyrophosphate were synthesized by spray pyrolysis. ► The dense particles present good quality UVC emitting (200–350nm). ► The prototype device can be employed for anti-microbial testing.