Hybrid Thermally Activated Nanocluster Fluorophores for X-ray Scintillators

by Peng Yuan, Tengyue He, Jun Yin, Hansong Zhang, Yongcao Zhang, Xiting Yuan, Chunwei Dong, Renwu Huang, Wenyi Shao, Shulin Chen, Renqian Zhou, Nanfeng Zheng, Mutalifu Abulikemu, Mohamed Eddaoudi, Omar F. Mohammed, Osman M. Bakr
Year: 2023 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1021/acsenergylett.3c02050

Abstract

Thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) X-ray scintillators have attracted increasing attention because of their theoretical ability to utilize 100% radiation-induced excitons. However, their scintillation performance is severely hampered by their typically low X-ray attenuation efficiencies or mechanochromic properties. Here, we demonstrate hybrid organic–inorganic TADF scintillators with remarkably high X-ray absorption cross sections based on non-mechanochromic Cu2X2 (X = Cl, Br, or I) nanoclusters. The Cu2X2 nanoclusters display radioluminescence light yields as high as 175 000 photons MeV–1, attributable to their low self-absorption and spatially separated HOMO and LUMO orbitals. Furthermore, because of their non-mechanochromic properties, these nanoclusters can be formed into scintillating screens with excellent radiation and humidity stability via soft-pressing. The fabricated TADF scintillating screens display a high X-ray imaging efficiency, benefiting from their high light yields and high spatial resolutions (∼30 lp mm–1). This work highlights the promise TADF Cu2X2 nanocluster-based scintillators have in meeting the demanding requirements of cutting-edge X-ray imaging.