A series of novel phosphors based on silica xerogel doped with CaWO4:xDy(III) with various concentration of dysprosium ion was synthesized over a temperature of 800 degrees C. The thermal analysis, XRD measurement and spectroscopic investigations of these materials are presented in this study. Steady state luminescence, luminescence excitation spectra as well as emission spectra have been measured. Under the ultraviolet light, the prepared phosphors show characteristic blue and yellow bands which correspond to F-4(9/2) -> H-6(15/2) and F-4(9/2) -> H-6(13/2) transitions of Dy3+ ion, respectively. The concentration quenching effect occurs when the Dy3+ concentration is x = 0.1. We also present the possibility to increase the emission intensity of Dy(III) doped CaWO4 incorporated into silica xerogel as a result of its interaction with surface plasmons created by silver nanoparticles. (c) 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.