Enabling Multimodal Luminescence in a Single Nanoparticle for X-ray Imaging Encryption and Anticounterfeiting

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Optics

Background:

• Multimodal responsive luminescence in single nanoparticles is challenging.
• Existing materials often lack responsiveness to stimuli beyond light.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a conceptual model for multimodal luminescence in single nanoparticles.
• To achieve simultaneous mechanoluminescence and photoluminescence.
• To explore diverse luminescent emissions under various stimuli.

Main Methods:

• Constructing lanthanide-doped fluoride nanoparticles with core-shell-shell structures.
• Utilizing X-ray irradiation to induce mechanoluminescence.
• Designing multilayer core-shell nanostructures for multimodal emissions.

Main Results:

• Demonstrated excellent mechanoluminescence in lanthanide-doped fluoride nanoparticles via X-ray irradiation.
• Achieved color-tunable mechanoluminescence by selecting different lanthanide emitters.
• Enabled simultaneous radioluminescence, persistent luminescence, mechanoluminescence, upconversion, downshifting, and thermal-stimulated luminescence in single nanoparticles.

Conclusions:

• Provided new insights into X-ray induced mechanoluminescence mechanisms in nanocrystals.
• Developed advanced smart luminescent materials for X-ray imaging encryption, stress sensing, and anticounterfeiting.