Novel multi-functional Pr3+:Bi12SiO20 luminescent nano-sensor for latent human prints, iron ions in drinking water and anti-counterfeiting application

Abstract

Pure and metal-doped bismuth silicate matrix (Bi12SiO20) were prepared in bulk scale and studied from the electrical, crystal and optical properties point of view. Production of Nano-praseodymium doped bismuth silicate and its potential applications as a photoluminescent sensor in forensic science, heavy metal detection as well as in anti-counterfeiting ink applications have not been reported in the literature to now. Herein, a novel, simple, sensitive and multi-functional photoluminescent Nano-sensor based on x mol Pr3+:Bi12SiO20 (Pr:BS) (x = 0.015, 0.030 and 0.100 mol) was prepared and characterized for latent prints and iron ion detection and anti-counterfeiting ink applications. High crystallinity and Nano-domain of partly connected spherical particles for Pr:BS have been confirmed from XRD and TEM analysis, respectively. Pr:BS Nano-sensor emits a strong and pure pinkish red color which appears to the human eye upon un-harmful UVA excitation resource. Lifetime values; either in solid state or aqueous solutions were measured. Pr:BS Nano-sensor has successfully visualized latent print from various forensic non-porous and porous surfaces. Pr:BS Nano-sensor was used to develop luminescent ink for anti-counterfeiting application. The sensing results revealed that Pr:BS Nano-sensor detects the iron ion from aqueous solution with fast response time and high selectivity if compared to other metal ions. The assessment of iron ion depends on PBS photoluminescence quenching upon the addition of iron ion. Stern-Volmer plot was achieved over the concentration 0.00–17 × 10−5 mol L−1 with a correlation coefficient of 0.996 and a detection limit of 1.56 × 10−5 mol L−1. The sensing mechanism was discussed in detail. Optimized 0.015 mol Pr:BS Nano-sensor was applied for iron detection in real drinking water samples with high recovery value.