Enhance photoluminescence properties of Ca-Eu:Y2O3@SiO2 core–shell nanomaterial for the advanced forensic and LEDs applications.

[Display omitted] • The luminescent divalent (Ca2+) doped Eu:Y 2 O 3 @SiO 2 core–shell nanophosphors have been synthesised and characterized. • The fluorescence intensity of phosphor increases by 34 % for the SiO 2 coted (10 vol%) sample. • The nanophosphor could be utilized for security ink, latent fingerprints, warm LEDs, and other optoelectronic devices. • The developed fingerprints have first and second-level ridge features appropriate for a forensic lab. The divalent (Ca2+)-doped Eu:Y 2 O 3 @SiO 2 core–shell luminescent nanophosphors have been synthesised by a cost-effective combustion technique. Various characterizations were carried out to confirm the successful formation of the core–shell structure. The TEM micrograph reveals the thickness of the SiO 2 coating over Ca-Eu:Y 2 O 3 as ∼25 nm. The optimal value of silica coating over the phosphor has been obtained as 10 vol%(TEOS) of SiO 2 , with this value increasing fluorescence intensity by 34 %. Phosphor exhibits CIE coordinates as x = 0.425, y = 0.569 and a CCT value as ∼2115 K with color purity and the respective CRI of 80 % and 98 %, respectively, which make the core–shell nanophosphor suitable for warm LEDs, and other optoelectronic applications. Further, the core–shell nanophosphor has been investigated for the visualisation of latent finger prints and as security ink. The findings point towards the prospective future application of nanophosphor materials for anti-counterfeiting purposes and latent finger prints for forensic purposes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]