Surface functionalized inorganic phosphor by grafting organic antenna for long term preservation of latent fingerprints and data-security applications

Abstract

Creative advancements are enormously sought for the advanced forensic and data security in modern era. Herein, fabrication of Bovine Serum Albumin (BSA) functionalized Gd2O3:Eu3+ (5 mol %) nanopowders dispersed in a poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) matrix for long term preservation and visualization of latent fingerprints, as well as printing. Efficient intramolecular energy transfers from coordinated ligand to the doped Eu3+ ions, called the antenna effect was precisely organized by grafting organic molecule, resultant to an enhanced photoluminescence emission. On this basis, the masking of PVA/Gd2O3:Eu3+ (5 mol %)@BSA solution on a latent fingerprints results a flexible transparent film; a highly stable fingerprint images with well-defined ridge characteristics was developed on the film, which enabling personal individualization. Interestingly, the followed latent fingerprints development technique was non-destructive and stored long duration up to 1 year on filtrating and non-filtrating surfaces. The same mechanism was also validated by utilized for application of PVA/Gd2O3:Eu3+ (5 mol %)@BSA nanocomposites in dip pen and intaglio printing. Hence, the prepared nanocomposites signify an competent method towards long preservative fingerprints as well as great performance for data security operations. This work endorses a prospective paradigm for luminescence enhancement and its applications in advanced forensic science.