Carbon quantum dots (CQDs) in forensic investigations: a review of current applications and future perspectives

The advent of Carbon Quantum Dots (CQDs) has introduced transformative possibilities in forensic science, addressing longstanding challenges in the detection, analysis, and preservation of trace evidence. This review comprehensively examines CQDs, highlighting their synthesis methodologies, unique physicochemical properties, and diverse applications in forensic investigations. Emphasizing green, scalable, and cost-effective synthesis routes, the review explores CQDs' tunable fluorescence, exceptional optical characteristics, and biocompatibility, which contribute to their superior performance in forensic contexts. Specifically, CQDs have shown significant promise in areas such as crime scene analysis, fingerprint enhancement, drug identification, and toxicology, offering enhanced sensitivity, specificity, and precision in evidence detection. Despite their potential, the integration of CQDs into forensic workflows faces hurdles related to reproducibility, standardization, and regulatory compliance. Moreover, the convergence of CQDs with cutting-edge technologies like artificial intelligence and computational simulations presents an exciting frontier for advancing forensic methodologies, minimizing human error, and ensuring high throughput and accuracy in investigative processes. This review not only underscores the potential of CQDs to revolutionize forensic science but also identifies key challenges and proposes future directions for research, focusing on refining CQD-based applications and fostering seamless integration into forensic protocols. In summary, CQDs represent a promising and versatile toolset for the future of forensic investigations, driving significant improvements in analytical precision and efficiency.