Application of metallic oxide coated carbon nanoparticles in adsorption of heavy metals and reusability for latent fingerprint detection: A review

The use of metallic oxide coated carbon nanoparticles (MOCCNs) in both water treatment technologies and forensic science is a cutting-edge field of study. The potential of using metallic-coated carbon nanoparticles in adsorption processes, followed by their reuse in latent fingerprint detection, offers a promising advancement for both environmental remediation and forensic science. Adsorption of heavy metals is an important process in environmental science and engineering that involves the binding of metal ions to the surfaces of solid objects. This study seeks to provide an overview of recent advances in this field, focusing on applications, major discoveries, methodology, and prospective future approaches of metallic oxide coated carbon nanoparticles. A significant portion of this review is dedicated to the innovative reuse of these nanoparticles in latent fingerprint detection, emphasizing the economic and ecological advantages of repurposing spent adsorbents. The discussion encompasses the characterization of metallic oxide-coated nanoparticles, methods for recovering and regenerating them, and their forensic performance post-regeneration.