Synthesis of BiOCl: Eu3+ Microarchitectures and their WLED’s, Fingerprint Detection and Anticounterfeiting Applications

Abstract BiOCl: Eu 3+ (1-9mol %) microarchitectures were synthesized by the solution combustion method by employing Barbituric acid as fuel. The crystal structure, morphologies and luminescence properties of Eu 3+  doped BiOCl have been systematically investigated by powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and spectroscopy respectively. The prime objective of the current effort was first to fabricate highly luminescent nanophosphor for revelation of latent fingerprints, lips prints including infiltrating and non-filtrating surfaces and also to develop luminescent ink for anticounterfeiting applications. Presently the fingerprints developed by using conventional powders have several disadvantages including low sensitivity, high background hindrance, complicated procedure and high toxicity. To encounter this challenge, we explored the optimized BiOCl:Eu 3+ (3mol %) nanophosphor for detection of latent fingerprints and luminescent anti-counterfeiting ink. The morphology of the phosphor was tuned by adjusting the concentration of fuel. Photoluminescence studies of BiOCl:Eu 3+ (1-9mol %) exhibited the peaks 5 D 0 → 7 F J (J = 0, 1, 2, 3, 4) transitions. The CIE and CCT characteristics specify that the synthesized nanophosphor might be immensely show potential red factor for promising applications in WLED’s. The BiOCl: Eu 3+ (1-9 mol %) nanopowder also showed clear ridge patterns of level I and level II and further showed sharp image of label when observed in the UV light. The results indicated that the present phosphor could be used in both forensic as well as in anti counterfeiting applications.