Coordination-driven in-situ controlled synthesis of cellulose-based fluorescent composite with tunable color for decoration, anti-counterfeiting, and accurate color recognition

Fluorescent composites have widespread applications in many aspects. Wood-derived cellulose is a renewable, easily processed and biodegradable, and cellulose-based fluorescent composites are highly favored for in different fields. However, the existing cellulose-based fluorescent composites still have many urgent problems to be solved, such as unstable luminescence properties and easy shedding of luminescent substances, and the development of their practical applications is still a formidable challenge. Herein, a green and mild strategy for the in-situ controllable synthesis of cellulose-based fluorescent composites membrane (CFM) was developed. Firstly, delignified wood (DW) was modified with citric acid, and then lanthanide ions were introduced on modified DW through coordinated covalent bonds. Additionally, the luminescence mechanism of CFM is proposed. CFMs show adjustable color for decorative and light conversion and can be accurately identified for data protection, which increases the high value-added of cellulose-based composites. The stable luminescent properties were maintained after sonication for 30 min or solvent immersion for three months. Therefore, this work presents a new approach for the synthesis of CFM, which provides an environment-friendly strategy for manufacturing cellulose-based fluorescent materials, which is significant for the subsequent development of environment-friendly composites for anti-counterfeiting and decorative applications.