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Efficient single-phase tunable dual-color emission copper(I) scintillators for X-ray imaging
Yihao Wang1,2, Zhengguang Yan1,2, Chen Li1,2
1Institute of Microstructure and Property of Advanced Materials, College of Materials and Manufacturing, College of Physics and Optoelectronics Engineering, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing 100124, China. yanzg@bjut.edu.cn.
Researchers synthesized novel 1D hybrid copper(I) halide crystals using morpholine. One crystal, MCI, shows dual-band emission and high photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY), demonstrating potential for X-ray imaging applications.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Solid-State Chemistry
- Photophysics
Background:
- Hybrid copper(I) halides are researched for broadband emission and high photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY).
- Cu(I) halide scintillators offer advantages in radiation detection, including low detection limits, high X-ray attenuation, and non-toxicity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To synthesize novel 1D hybrid copper(I) halide single crystals (SCs) using morpholine (MPH) as the organic component.
- To investigate the structural, optical, and electronic properties of the synthesized materials.
- To explore the potential of the synthesized materials in X-ray imaging applications.
Main Methods:
- Acid solution volatilization crystallization was used to synthesize three 1D [MPH]4Cu2X6·H2O (X = I, Br, Cl) SCs.
- Structural characterization confirmed similar 1D structures with a [Cu2X5]3- fundamental unit.
- Optical properties (emission spectra, PLQY) and electronic band gaps (theoretical calculations) were investigated.
Main Results:
- Three novel 1D hybrid copper(I) halide SCs were successfully synthesized: [MPH]4Cu2I6·H2O (MCI), [MPH]4Cu2Br6·H2O, and [MPH]4Cu2Cl6·H2O.
- MCI exhibited excitation-dependent dual-band emission at 525 nm and 691 nm with high PLQY (83.02% and 36.89%, respectively).
- Theoretical calculations indicated MCI has an indirect band gap, while the bromide and chloride analogs possess direct band gaps. MCI demonstrated an optical yield of 38,467 photons per MeV and 12 lp mm-1 spatial resolution for X-ray imaging.
Conclusions:
- The synthesized 1D hybrid copper(I) halide SCs, particularly MCI, show promising photoluminescent properties.
- MCI's dual-band emission and high PLQY make it a candidate for optoelectronic devices.
- The demonstrated performance in X-ray imaging suggests significant potential for practical applications.
