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Application of core–shell-structured CdTe@SiO2 quantum dots synthesized via a facile solution method for improving latent fingerprint detection

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Abstract

Fingerprint detection is important in criminal investigation. This paper reports a facile powder brushing technique for improving latent fingerprint detection using core–shell-structured CdTe@SiO2 quantum dots (QDs) as fluorescent labeling marks. Core–shell-structured CdTe@SiO2 QDs are prepared via a simple solution-based approach using NH2NH2·H2O as pH adjustor and stabilizer, and their application for improving latent fingerprint detection is explored. The obtained CdTe@SiO2 QDs show spherical shapes with well-defined core–shell structures encapsulating different amounts of QDs depending on the type of the pH adjustor and stabilizer. Moreover, the fluorescence of CdTe@SiO2 QDs is largely enhanced by surface modification of the SiO2 shell. The CdTe@SiO2 QDs overcome the oxidation problem of pure CdTe QDs in air, thus affording better variability with strong adhesive ability, better resolution, and bright emission colors for practical application in latent fingerprint detection. In comparison with the conventional fluorescence powders, silver powders, and others, the effectiveness of CdTe@SiO2 QD powders for detection of latent fingerprints present on a large variety of object surfaces is greatly improved. The synthesis method for CdTe@SiO2 QDs is simple, cheap, and easy for large-scale production, and thus offers many advantages in the practical application of fingerprint detection.

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Acknowledgments

We gratefully acknowledge the financial support from the National High Technology Research and Development Program (863 program, 2010AA03A407), National Natural Science Foundation of China (20961005), Department of Science and Technology of Inner Mongolia (Public Security Foundation 208096), and Key Project of Natural Science Foundation of Inner Mongolia (2010Zd03).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, 010021, People’s Republic of China

    Feng Gao, Jiaxing Han, Caifeng Lv, Qin Wang & Jun Zhang

  2. Division of Science and Technology, Public Security Department of Inner Mongolia, Hohhot, 010051, People’s Republic of China

    Qun Li, Liru Bao & Xin Li

Authors
  1. Feng Gao
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  2. Jiaxing Han
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  3. Caifeng Lv
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  4. Qin Wang
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  5. Jun Zhang
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  6. Qun Li
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  7. Liru Bao
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  8. Xin Li
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Correspondence to Jun Zhang.

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Gao, F., Han, J., Lv, C. et al. Application of core–shell-structured CdTe@SiO2 quantum dots synthesized via a facile solution method for improving latent fingerprint detection. J Nanopart Res 14, 1191 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11051-012-1191-z

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11051-012-1191-z

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