Zn3(VO4)2/Bi2WO6 composite based versatile platform for cotinine sensing and latent fingerprints development by using multiple modalities

•Accustomed amalgamation of Zn3(VO4)2/Bi2WO6 used for visualization and enhancement of ridge details.•This innovative material has needle shape and calculated average size range from 10 to 20 nm.•Nano needles, Zn3(VO4)2/Bi2WO6, integrated with a Quartz Crystal Microbalance (QCM) sensor demonstrated a direct and consistent correlation between cotinine concentrations.•Zn3(VO4)2/Bi2WO6 show higher stability and resistance to degradation under UV light exposure, which can affect the longevity and stability of developed fingerprints..•Categorically, this unique combination Zn3(VO4)2/Bi2WO6 will open new avenue in the area of forensics.