Synthesis and characterization of CDs/Al₂O₃ nanofibers nanocomposite for Pb²⁺ ions adsorption and reuse for latent fingerprint detection

This study reports a new approach of preparation of carbon dots coated on aluminum oxide nanofibers (CDs/Al₂O₃NFs) nanocomposite and reusing the spent adsorbent of lead (Pb²⁺) ions loaded adsorbent (Pb²⁺-CDs/Al₂O₃NFs) nanocomposite for latent fingerprint detection (LFP) after removing Pb²⁺ ions from aqueous solution. CDs/Al₂O₃NFs nanocomposite was prepared by using CDs and Al₂O₃NFs with adsorption processes. The prepared nanocomposite was then characterized by using UV–visible spectroscopy (UV–visible), Fourier transforms infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Fluorescence, X-ray diffraction pattern (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), Zeta potential, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The average size of the CDs was 51.18 nm. The synthesized CDs/Al₂O₃NFs nanocomposite has proven to be a good adsorbent for Pb²⁺ ions removal from water with optimum pH 6, dosage 0. 2 g/L. The results were best described by the Freundlich Isotherm model. The adsorption capacity of CDs/Al₂O₃NFs nanocomposite showed the best removal of Pb²⁺ ions with q_m = (177. 83 mg/g), when compared to the previous reports. This adsorption followed the pseudo-second order kinetic model. ΔG and ΔH values indicated spontaneity and the endothermic nature of the adsorption process. CDs/Al₂O₃NFs nanocomposite therefore showed potential as an effective adsorbent. The data were observed from adsorption–desorption after 6 cycles which showed good adsorption stability and re- usability of CDs/Al₂O₃NFs nanocomposite. Furthermore, the spent adsorbent of Pb²⁺-CDs/Al₂O₃NFs nanocomposite has proven to be sensitive and selective for LFP detection on various porous substrates. Hence Pb²⁺-CDs/Al₂O₃NFs nanocomposite can be reused as a good fingerprint labelling agent in LFP detection so as to avoid secondary environmental pollution by disposal of the spent adsorbent.