Phase dependent photoluminescence and thermoluminescence properties of Y2SiO5:Sm3+ nanophosphors and its advanced forensic applications

In the present work, a series of Sm3+ doped Y2SiO5 orange red nanophosphor were synthesized via ultrasonication route. The structural, morphology and luminescent properties of X1 and X2 phased products were thoroughly investigated. SEM images exhibit irregular shaped particles. The optimum doping concentration was found to be 3 mol % for Sm3+ ion and the critical distance Rc was estimated to be ~9.47 Å. The dipole-dipole interaction was main liable for concentration quenching. The photometric properties of the prepared nanophosphors were estimated, which indicates that the nanophosphor may be potentially excited NUV chips for application in W-LEDs. The Judd-Ofelt intensity parameters and radiative parameters were estimated. In order to investigate their thermoluminescence properties, prepared products were irradiated to γ -dose in the range from 1 to 5 kGy. Characteristic TL glow curves of X1 phase consists of peaks at 398, 468, 554 and 599 K. However, in X2 phase peaks at 471, 521, 575 and 619 K were recorded. The dose-response plots were linear. The kinetic parameters were estimated by various methods and compared. The optimized Y2SiO5:Sm3+ (3 mol %) nanophosphor was employed to visualize latent fingerprints with high sensitivity, low backward hindrance and simple setup using optimized sample under UV 254 nm light. The aforesaid outcomes signify the fabricated nanophosphor display outstanding luminescence properties leads to significant applications, such as WLED's, dosimetry and forensic science. •Simple eco-friendly sonochemical method was used for the synthesis of Y2SiO5:Sm3+ (1–9 mol %) nanophosphor.•The Judd-Ofelt intensity parameters and other radiative parameters were estimated.•Thermoluminescence and photoluminescence properties of the prepared samples were extensively investigated.•Latent fingerprints were visualized with high sensitivity, low backward hindrance using optimized sample.