PVDF-triggered multicolor fluorine-doped graphene quantum dots for water detection and anti-counterfeiting

Fluorescent fluorine-doped graphene quantum dots (F-GQDs) have been synthesized via the hydrothermal method using long-chain polymer polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) as the precursor. Due to the unique molecular structure of PVDF, a possible synthesis process of F-GQDs has been put forward. F-GQDs have adjustable emission wavelength by simply adjusting the concentration of the solution. As the concentration increases, the emission wavelength of F-GQDs gradually red shifts from 455 nm (blue) to 551 nm (yellow-green). In addition, F-GQDs also exhibit a sensitive fluorescence response to water content in organic solvents, and the ultralow detections limit are 0.056% in ethanol and 0.124% in DMF. Besides, due to strong UV absorption capacity, a photothermal film is fabricated by embedding F-GQDs in PDMS. The temperature of F-GQDs/PDMS polymer film can reach 33.4 o C under simulated sunlight, while the maximum temperature of blank PDMS film only reach 29.4 o C. Based on this phenomenon, a new type of anti-counterfeiting device is designed by combining F-GQDs/PDMS film with temperature change ink. Graphical abstract