Microstructural evolution and luminescence properties of multi-excitable cubic-ZrW2O8:Dy3+ nanorods for white light applications

•1D ZrW2O8 nanorods doped with Dy3+ was synthesized by hydrothermal method in an acidic medium and their luminescence properties were studied.•The use of HCl helped the formation of ZrW2O8: Dy3+ nanorods of an average diameter of 57.62 nm.•The efficient energy transfer from the host to Dy3+ ions was clear from the luminescence analysis.•The synthesized ZrW2O8:Dy3+ phosphors can be illuminated by UV, NUV and blue LED sources and can be used for the generation of WLEDs. ZrW2O8 nanorods doped with various concentrations of Dy3+ ions (5 - 15 mol%) showing excellent photoluminescence (PL) properties were synthesized by the facile hydrothermal method for white light applications. The products were comprehensively analyzed using a range of structural, morphological, and optical techniques. The optical studies were conducted by utilizing UV–visible and photoluminescence spectrophotometers. The photoluminescent emission spectra exhibit two prominent peaks at wavelengths of 479 nm and 572 nm, along with a less intense peak at 661 nm when subjected to excitations at wavelengths of 286 nm and 352 nm, and a highly dominating yellow emission with a faint red emission was obtained at 452 nm excitation. The almost constant value Y/B intensity ratios, lifetime values, CIE coordinates, and CCT values suggest that the obtained nanophosphor can be effectively employed in white light-emitting diodes (WLEDs) and various other lighting devices. [Display omitted]