Ultra-bright green emitting Sr2MgSi2O7:Tb3+ nanophosphors: unveiling multi-security applications in anti-counterfeiting, flexible films, optical thermometry and latent fingerprint visualization

In this study, we synthesized facile green-emitting Sr2MgSi2O7:Tb3+ (1–11 mol %) nanophosphors (SMSO:Tb3+ NPs) using a solid-state reaction method. Characterization through X-ray diffraction (XRD) revealed a tetragonal crystal structure in the as-synthesized SMSO:Tb3+ NPs. Crystallographic data obtained from Rietveld refinements identified the specific sites of Tb3+ ions in the host material. Chemical and photo-luminescent properties are explored using X-ray photo-electron spectroscopy (XPS) and Photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy, respectively. The NPs exhibited vibrant green emission at 547 nm, attributed to the Tb3+ ions' 5D4→7F5 transition, with a high quantum yield of 63.10 %. Optimal doping concentration is determined as 7 mol % (SMSO:7 Tb3+), overcoming concentration quenching primarily due to dipole-dipole (d-d) interaction. Impressively, SMSO:7 Tb3+ NPs demonstrated a correlated colour temperature (CCT) of 5549 K, colour purity (CP) of 91.60 %, and excellent colour stability. These phosphors are effectively applied in latent fingerprints (LFPs) development, revealing distinct ridge features useful for personal identification. Additionally, SMSO:7 Tb3+ NPs, combined with soluble PVA, are used to create a transparent anti-counterfeiting (AC) film, exhibiting intense green emission under UV 365 nm light. Notably, the film flexibility, durability, and foldability enhance its applicability in AC techniques. This study showcases SMSO:Tb3+ NPs as versatile luminous platforms with applications in flexible displays, high-colour quality lighting, fingerprint (FP) visualization, and anti-counterfeiting.