Preparation of polychromatic AIZS QDs @ plant-based fluorescent fiber (AIZS@F) by one-step hydrothermal method.

Fluorescent fiber is widely used for anti-counterfeiting purposes due to its unique security features and ease of identification worldwide. In this study, polychromatic fluorescent fiber using bleached softwood fiber (F) combined with AgInZnS quantum dots (AIZS QDs) was successfully prepared through a one-step hydrothermal method. The photoluminescence (PL) of AIZS@F could be adjusted from green to red by varying the molar ratio of Ag⁺/Zn²⁺/S²⁻/In³⁺. Increasing the molar ratio of Ag⁺/In³⁺ led to a redshift in peak emission wavelength, increasing Zn²⁺/In³⁺ or S²⁻/In³⁺ resulted in a blueshift in PL wavelength. Furthermore, AIZS QDs were synthesized both on the surface and inside of the fluorescent fiber, and the mild hydrothermal condition did not cause significant damage to the structure of the fiber. Additionally, due to the inherent microporous structure of natural plant fiber, AIZS QDs could still be steadily loaded into the fiber after intense mechanical stirring. AIZS@F exhibited excellent fluorescent performance although the total loading amount was merely 0.457%. This stable, polychromatic, hydrophilic and degradable fluorescent fiber has great potential for anti-counterfeiting applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]