A novel one-step microwave irradiation method has been introduced to synthesize 3-mercaptopropionic acid capped CdTe QDs (Quantum dots). The synthesis process required no special conditions such as an inert nitrogen atmosphere but was carried out using TeO2 (Tellurium oxide) as opposed to the Te powder, Na2TeO3 or Al2TeO3 usually used for the tellurium source. The characterization of the QDs revealed that they were 2-3 nm in size. The application of aqueous synthesis of capped CdTe QDs for latent fingerprinting was explored and fast turnaround times were achieved. (C) 2017 Published by Elsevier Ltd.