# A Novel Synthesis Method of Dumbbell-like (Gd1−xTbx)2O(CO3)2·H2O Phosphor for Latent Fingerprint

## TL;DR

A new method for making dumbbell-shaped phosphors using sodium carbonate is developed for better latent fingerprint visualization.

## Contribution

A novel synthesis method for (Gd1−xTbx)2O(CO3)2·H2O phosphors using sodium carbonate is introduced.

## Key findings

- Optimal conditions for phosphor synthesis are 7 mmol Na2CO3 and pH 9.5.
- GOC:0.05Tb3+ achieves 57.5% maximum quantum efficiency.
- Phosphor shows stable fluorescence suitable for latent fingerprint visualization.

## Abstract

A novel method for synthesizing dumbbell-shaped (Gd1−xTbx)2O(CO3)2·H2O (GOC:xTb3+) phosphors using sodium carbonate was investigated. An amount of 1 mmol of stable fluorescent powder can be widely prepared using 3–11 mmol of Na2CO3 at a pH value of 8.5–10.5 in the reaction solution. The optimal reaction conditions for the phosphors were determined to be 7 mmol for the amount of sodium carbonate and a pH of 9.5 in the solution. Mapping analysis of the elements confirmed uniform distribution of Gd3+ and Tb3+ elements in GOC:xTb3+. The analysis of fluorescence intensity shows that an optimal excitation wavelength of 273 nm is observed when the concentration of Tb3+ is between 0.005 and 0.3. The highest emission intensity was observed for GOC:0.05Tb3+ with a 57.5% maximum quantum efficiency. The chromaticity coordinates show that the color of GOC:Tb3+ is stable and suitable for fluorescence recognition. Latent fingerprint visualization reveals distinctive features like whorls, hooks, and bifurcations. Therefore, the sodium carbonate method offers an effective alternative to traditional urea chemical reaction conditions for preparing GOC:Tb3+.