Revolutionizing Fingerprint Detection: Ce³⁺ Doped SiO₂-Zr₂O₃:Sr²⁺ Nanocomposites with Enhanced Luminescence and Selectivity

Even though fingerprints remain one of the most reliable methods of identification, they are often lost during the recovery process. Accurate fingerprint recognition depends on the contrast between the ridges and substrate. On tough surfaces, such as glossy, colorful, and patterned materials, the contrast is harder to establish. Photoluminescent materials play a crucial role in forensic investigations as they enable the development of procedures that enhance image quality and increase the accuracy of findings from security institutions. Due to the strong emission in the red area at 620 nm, the use of trivalent Rare Earth ions (RE³⁺) doped materials in this work is notable. Because of the unique properties and abundance of cerium, luminous materials based on SiO₂-Zr₂O₃: Ce³⁺, Sr²⁺ prepared via sol-gel technique present a more practical alternative for use in criminal investigations compared to current photonic materials. The sample was further co-doped with synthetic (Safranin-O and crystal violet) as well as organic (curcumin and lycopene) photoluminescent dyes. The nanocomposites were examined using X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD), energy-dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX), dynamic light scattering (DLS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and photoluminescence spectroscopy (PL). In conclusion, this work highlights the qualities critical to obtaining higher-resolution latent fingerprint images for potential forensic applications.