Highly Fluorescent Bio-Synthesized Carbon Quantum Dots for Latent Fingerprint Detection

This study introduces an innovative approach to high-resolution latent fingerprint detection using carbon quantum dots (CQDs) biosynthesized from spent coffee grounds, enhanced with nitrogen doping. Conventional fingerprinting methods frequently use hazardous chemicals and are costly, highlighting the need for eco-friendly, affordable alternatives that preserve detection quality. The biosynthesized nitrogen-doped CQDs exhibit strong photoluminescence and high stability, offering a sustainable, effective alternative for fingerprint imaging. Using a one-step hydrothermal synthesis method, nitrogen-doped CQDs were developed, displaying intense cyan fluorescence under UV light at 365 nm. The quantum yield was measured to be 19.73%. Characterization through UV-Visible and photoluminescence spectroscopy, FTIR, XRD and TEM confirmed the morphology, surface properties, optical properties and stability. The average particle size diameter was calculated to be around 8.71 ± 0.14 nm. These CQDs were tested on various non-porous surfaces including marble, glass, aluminium, and metal where they provided detailed visualization of fingerprint ridge patterns, sweat pores, and minutiae with high fluorescence. Notably, the CQDs demonstrated excellent adherence and sustained fluorescence, maintaining photostability for up to 60 days under dark storage conditions at 2-8 °C. This sustainable synthesis method thus produces nitrogen-doped CQDs with robust fluorescent properties, establishing a promising, eco-friendly solution for high-resolution latent fingerprint detection in forensic investigations.