Multifunctional Nitrogen-Doped Carbon Nanodots: A New Paradigm in Anticounterfeiting and Fingerprint Forensics Imaging

The Nitrogen-doped carbon nanodots (N-CNDs) synthesized using a green method demonstrated a high quantum yield of 16.1%, making them highly effective in anticounterfeiting ink and latent fingerprint visualization under UV light. Structural analysis revealed the presence of abundant nitrogen-containing functional groups on the surface of the N-CNDs, which play a crucial role in enhancing their luminescent properties. The N-CNDs exhibited excitation and emission wavelengths at 330 and 405 nm, respectively, achieving a quantum yield of up to 16.1%. Furthermore, the emissions of N-CNDs were found to vary with the excitation wavelength, indicating a possible relationship between luminescence and particle size. Additionally, the practical application of N-CNDs in anti-counterfeit fluorescent ink was briefly discussed, underscoring their potential in this field. This study demonstrates a green synthesis method for producing high-performance carbon nanodots, offering advantages such as reduced reliance on chemical reagents, lower synthesis costs, and decreased environmental impact.