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Published on: November 9, 2018
Construction of High-Efficiency Blue/Red Fluorescent Dual Anti-Counterfeiting Based on Reed-Based Carbon Dots/MCM-41
Lifan Zhang1, Jinwang Gao1, Haiyang Han1
1College of Chemistry & Materials Science, Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Diagnosis of the Ministry of Education, Institute of Life Science and Green Development, The Flame Retardant Material and Processing Technology Engineering Research Center of Hebei Province, Hebei University, Baoding, 071002, P. R. China.
Researchers developed novel biobased fluorescent carbon dots (CDs) embedded in silica (MCM-41) for smartphone-readable anti-counterfeiting. This fluorescence technology offers multi-layered security features with enhanced stability and intensity.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Analytical Chemistry
Background:
- Fluorescence-based anti-counterfeiting technologies are gaining attention for multi-layered security.
- Carbon dots (CDs) offer unique optical properties but suffer from aggregation and self-quenching.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop stable, highly fluorescent biobased carbon dots for anti-counterfeiting.
- To create a multi-layered security system using smartphone-based readers.
Main Methods:
- Synthesized blue/red fluorescent carbon dots (CDs) from reed, O-Phenylenediamine (OPD), and Phosphoric acid (H3PO4) via hydrothermal method.
- Embedded CDs into porous silica (MCM-41) using hydrothermal treatment to prevent aggregation and enhance fluorescence.
- Incorporated CDs@MCM-41 into filter paper, hydrogels, and membranes for security applications.
Main Results:
- Achieved stable, uniformly distributed CDs within the MCM-41 matrix with improved fluorescence intensity.
- Observed enhanced fluorescence lifetime (2.02 ns) and quantum yield (33.29%).
- Demonstrated distinct color variations under different lighting conditions for multi-layer security features.
Conclusions:
- The developed CDs@MCM-41 material provides a robust platform for advanced anti-counterfeiting solutions.
- Smartphone-based RGB analysis enables fast and accurate colorimetric detection.
- This technology offers a simple yet effective approach to multi-layered security applications.

