CdTe–Montmorillonite Nanocomposites: Control Synthesis, UV Radiation-Dependent Photoluminescence, and Enhanced Latent Fingerprint Detection

Abstract

CdTe–montmorillonite (CdTe–MMT) nanocomposites are synthesized by in situ intercalation of CdTe quantum dots (QDs) into a sodium MMT clay matrix via an ion exchange process following a low-temperature solution synthetic approach. Due to the confinement of CdTe QDs in the layered structure of the sodium MMT clay matrix, the resulting CdTe–MMT nanocomposites possess very stable chemical properties in air and show interesting tunable highly efficient UV radiation-dependent photoluminescence. The obtained CdTe–MMT nanocomposites overcome the oxidation problem of pure CdTe QD powders in air, which may result in weakening of photoluminescence. Due to their chemical stability, enhanced adhesive property, easy preparation, low cost, and unique photoluminescence, the CdTe–MMT nanocomposites are used as alternative fluorescent labeling markers for enhanced latent fingerprint detection on a variety of object surfaces in forensic science for individual identification. In contrast with those detected with commercially available fluorescent labeling marks, fingerprints detected with CdTe–MMT nanocomposites can be well-defined in terms of finger ridge details without background staining, resulting in good definition for enhanced detection. The obtained CdTe–MMT nanocomposites may find potential application in forensic science for individual identification.