Highly stable cesium lead bromide perovskite nanocrystals for ultra-sensitive and selective latent fingerprint detection

Latent fingerprints (LFPs) are one of the most important forms of evidence in crime scenes due to the uniqueness and permanence of the friction ridges in fingerprints. Therefore, an efficient method to detect LFPs is crucial in forensic science. However, there remain several challenges with traditional detection strategies including low sensitivity, low contrast, high background, and complicated processing steps. In order to overcome these drawbacks, we present an approach for developing latent fingerprints using stabilized CsPbBr3 perovskite nanocrystals (NCs) as solid-state nanopowders. We demonstrate the superior optical stability of CsPbBr3 NCs with respect to absorption, photoluminescence (PL), and fluorescence lifetime. We then used these highly stable, fluorescent CsPbBr3 NCs as a powder dusting material to develop LFPs on diverse surfaces. The stable optical properties and hydrophobic surface of the CsPbBr3 NC nanopowder permitted high resolution images from which unique features of friction ridge arrangements with first, second, and third-level LFP details can be obtained within minutes.