Metal formate framework-assisted solid fluorescent material based on carbonized nanoparticles for the detection of latent fingerprints

Latent fingerprints (LFPs) powders play a crucial part in the detection of LFPs by powder-dusting methods in forensic sciences, due to the facile, onsite, and easy-to-operate properties. However, conventional LFPs powders suffer from some drawbacks, such as high toxicity, low contrast, sensitivity and selectivity. Herein, a novel fluorescent composite powder was synthesized and used for the detection of LFPs. The resultant composite powder shows an enhanced fluorescence due to the protection of the emission of fluorescent carbonized nanoparticles (FCNPs) from being quenched in the solid state. Subsequently, the fluorescent composite powder was successfully applied to detect LFPs on various substrates. This work provides a promising strategy for developing FCNPs-based fluorescent powders for the detection of LFPs in forensic science.