Microwave assisted solution combustion synthesis (MASCS) of europium (Eu) doped chlorapatite nanowhiskers

•We synthesized chlorapatite nanowhiskers using microwave assisted combustion method.•Nitric acid and chloride content can change the resulting whisker shape and uniformity.•Europium doped chlorapatite whiskers can be synthesized using the same microwave assisted combustion method and show photoluminescence for biomedical imaging applications.

A one step, microwave assisted combustion synthesis method (MASCS) for the preparation of europium (Eu) doped chlorapatite (Ca5(PO4)3Cl) nanowhiskers has been developed. Scanning electron microscope (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and confocal imaging were used for materials characterization. It was noted both Cl− and HNO3 can play significant roles on the structure and uniformity of chlorapatite whiskers. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first paper to show the homogenizing and sharpening effect of excessive nitric acid on the structure of chlorapatite nanoparticles. The Eu doped whiskers presented emission peak at 710 nm after excitation which shows potential for biomedical applications due to high penetration rate.