INST Scientists Develop Advanced Luminescent Ink to Curb Counterfeiting

New Delhi: In a breakthrough against counterfeiting, scientists at the Institute of Nano Science and Technology (INST), an autonomous institute under India’s Department of Science and Technology, have developed an advanced security ink using luminescent nanomaterials. This novel ink, enhanced with rare earth doping, can help detect counterfeits in currency, certificates, branded goods, and medicines.

Counterfeiting has become a major global concern, and researchers are actively seeking effective methods to combat it. By leveraging the unique luminescent properties of rare earth ions and bismuth emissions, the INST scientists have developed the first-of-its-kind ink that exhibits excitation-dependent luminescence, emitting visible light when exposed to both UV and NIR wavelengths.

Unlike existing covert tags that are visible only under UV light and easily replicated, this innovative ink offers a complex array of color shifts under different wavelengths. The ink glows vibrant blue under 365 nm UV light, pink under 395 nm UV light, and orange-red under 980 nm near-infrared (NIR) light. Importantly, the ink remains stable under varying light, temperature, and humidity conditions, enhancing its reliability as a security feature.

The team synthesized the luminescent nanomaterials using a co-precipitation method at 120°C. Following synthesis, the nanomaterials were blended with commercially available PVC ink through sonication, a process that disperses nanoparticles uniformly. This ink mixture was then applied to patterns and letters through screen-printing, which, when illuminated at specific wavelengths, displayed clear color transitions.

By combining rare earth ions with bismuth, the INST team created a security ink with robust encryption capabilities, making it significantly more challenging for counterfeiters to replicate.

The newly developed luminescent ink holds immense potential to safeguard against counterfeits in various industries, including finance, healthcare, and consumer goods. With its ability to allow both manufacturers and consumers to verify product authenticity quickly, this ink could become a valuable tool in the fight against counterfeiting, supporting genuine trade and safeguarding