Dy3+ ions activated CaAl2O4 nanophosphors: Photoluminescent and photometric properties prompted manifold applications

Abstract

A systematic design and fabrication of material with multi-directional applications was in high demand. Hence, the present work demonstrates Dy3+ (1–11 mol %) activated CaAl2O4 nanophosphors fabricated via ultrasonication method using fresh lemon juice as a bio-surfactant for multimodal applications. The X-ray diffraction studies of the prepared nanophosphors confirm the monoclinic phase. The morphological study of the prepared nanophosphor reveals irregular-shaped particles with an average size of ∼ 26 nm. The energy bandgap of the nanophosphors was estimated and found to be ∼ 3.017–3.126 eV. Photoluminescence emission spectra of the nanophosphors show intensive and sharp peaks centered at ∼ 483, 572, and 636 nm, which are attributed to 4F9/2→6H15/2, 4F9/2→6H13/2, and 4F9/2→6H11/2 transitions of Dy3+ ions, respectively. The photometric properties (i.e., chromaticity coordinates, color temperature, and color purity) of the nanophosphor reveal warm white light emission with a color purity of ∼ 34.26 %. The optimized sample was utilized for visualization and revelation of authenticated ridge details of latent fingerprints. The above results enriched that the prepared nanophosphor was considered to be an excellent candidate for multi-directional applications.