Multicolor Fluorescent Inks Based on Boron and Nitrogen Codoped Carbon Nanodots for High-Security Anticounterfeiting...

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Chemistry

Background:

• Increasingly sophisticated counterfeit technologies demand advanced security materials.
• Novel fluorescent materials are crucial for effective anticounterfeiting and secure information encoding.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize multicolor fluorescent inks using boron and nitrogen-codoped carbon nanodots (B, N-CDs).
• To investigate the modulation of fluorescence emission and the potential applications in anticounterfeiting and encryption.

Main Methods:

• One-pot solvothermal synthesis of B, N-CDs with tunable multicolor fluorescence.
• Characterization using XPS, FTIR, TEM, and PL lifetime analysis.
• Formulation of inks for handwriting and screen-printing, followed by stability testing.

Main Results:

• Successfully synthesized B, N-CDs exhibiting blue, green, and yellow fluorescence (440, 520, 540 nm).
• Demonstrated multicolor fluorescence modulation via precursor selection and reaction optimization.
• Confirmed fluorescence shift correlation with doping levels and particle size.
• Developed inks that are nearly invisible in ambient light but highly fluorescent under UV illumination.
• Validated applications in QR codes, product authentication, and Morse code encryption.
• Exhibited excellent stability against UV, abrasion, humidity, solvents, and temperature variations.

Conclusions:

• B, N-CD-based fluorescent inks provide a cost-effective and robust solution for secure labeling.
• The developed inks show strong potential for scalable production in advanced anticounterfeiting and information encryption technologies.
• The material's tunable fluorescence and stability make it highly suitable for diverse security applications.