Eu(III) doped LDH intercalated with cinnamate anion as multifunctional sunscreens

Highlights: • Eu(III) doped LDH intercalated with cinnamate anions show high UV shielding ability. • Low-intensity red light emission comes from europium(III) and cinnamate anion. • Optical properties enable the Zn₂Al_1-xEu_x-Cnm_y-LDH as multifunctional sunscreens. - Abstract: Eu(III) doped Zn₂Al-LDH intercalated with cinnamate anions with different C₉H₇O₂^-/M³⁺ molar ratios were synthesized by different anion-exchange methods. The XRD patterns indicate the formation of hydrotalcite-like compounds. UV–VIS absorption spectra show that the hybrid materials obtained have UV shielding capacity. PLS measurements show low-intensity red light emission of the characteristic europium and cinnamate ions that is recommended to induce collagen production.