Two-step sequential energy transfer in sodium carboxymethyl cellulose-based gels for information encryption.

Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (NaCMC)-based gels have been widely explored for various applications; however, innovative preparation methods are still required to further extend their potential. In this study, we introduced a low-molecular-weight gelator, 3,3',3″-[1,3,5-benzenetriyltris(carbonylimino)]trisbenzoic acid (HL), to induce gelation in NaCMC. The resulting NaCMC/HL gel was further developed into an information-encryption material with misleading functionality.