Multi-mode luminescent color self-evolution in one phosphor with energy storage activity for high-level information safety

Abstract

The performance and functionality of luminescent materials should be continuously developed to meet the demands of high-level information safety. In this work, a theoretical strategy for multi-mode luminescent color self-evolution in one structure was proposed by hierarchically utilizing the energy transfer processes from traps to luminescent centers. The strategy was further employed for experimental design, and an efficient luminescent structure of CaAl₂O₄:Eu²⁺,Mn²⁺,Er³⁺,Nd³⁺ with multi-mode luminescent color self-evolution behaviors was developed. The anticounterfeiting device based on CaAl₂O₄:Eu²⁺,Mn²⁺,Er³⁺,Nd³⁺ herein possessed extremely high security level with attractive performance. In addition, the CaAl₂O₄:Eu²⁺,Mn²⁺,Er³⁺,Nd³⁺ was confirmed to have energy storage and controllable release activities, based on which high-value encryption devices with dynamic information display were developed.