Dual-mode luminescence anti-counterfeiting and white light emission of NaGdF₄:Ce,Eu,Tb/carbon dot hydrophilic...

NaGdF₄:Ce,Eu,Tb nanocrystals were successfully prepared by a one-step hydrothermal method with Ce³⁺ ions as sensitizers, Eu³⁺ and Tb³⁺ ions as activators, and polyethylenimine (PEI) as surfactants. Color-adjustable fluorescence emission was achieved by the energy transfer effect between rare earth ions. Blue fluorescent carbon quantum dots (CDs) with a double UV response under 254 nm and 365 nm excitation were synthesized by a one-step hydrothermal method. A hydrophilic NaGdF₄:Ce,Eu,Tb/CD composite ink was prepared by an easy physical mixing method. Because of the electrostatic self-assembly effect, the color adjustable luminescence was achieved in a few seconds, and the white light emission with color coordinates of (0.32, 0.32) was obtained. A dual-mode luminescence anti-counterfeiting pattern was designed and achieved by excitation with ultraviolet light at 254 nm and 365 nm.