Efficacy study of non-lanthanide small luminescent molecules as gunshot residue indicators

•Three readily avialable and cost-effective luminophores were used as luminescent marker for GSR analysis.•A 5 wt% additives of these markers to gunpowder was used for firing with a 9 mm pistol.•The easy visualization, collection and identification of GSR samples were achieved.•These luminophores can be strategically used to track the illegal / unauthorized use of gunpowder.