Modification of cellulose fibers with inorganic luminescent nanoparticles based on lanthanide(III) ions

This article presents synthesis and properties of the fibers modified with luminescent, inorganic nanoparticles doped with lanthanide(III) ions, i.e. LaF3:Ce3+, Gd3+, Eu3+; CeF3:Tb3+ and CePO4:Tb3+. The fibers with luminescent properties were prepared via so called Lyocell process. This method involves dissolving cellulose in aqueous solution of N-methylmorpholine-N-oxide (NMMO) and a subsequent spinning of the fibers, using a dry-wet method. Thanks to the successful incorporation of the modifier nanoparticles (NPs) into the cellulose matrices, the fibers exhibited bright, multicolor emission upon UV irradiation and good mechanical properties, which allowed further textile processing. This type of fibers, as well as the as-prepared textiles/fabric can be used as an anti-counterfeiting agent for clothes and documents protection.