Thermally Robust 0D Cs₃EuCl₆ Microcrystals for X-Ray Imaging

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Solid-State Chemistry
• Optoelectronics

Background:

• 0D lanthanide-based halides (Cs3LnX6) are promising lead-free perovskites for lighting and X-ray detection.
• Challenges include extending excitation to blue light and ensuring thermal stability.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop 0D Cs3EuCl6 microcrystals for blue light excitation.
• To investigate their thermal stability and potential for X-ray detection and imaging.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of 0D Cs3EuCl6 microcrystals.
• Characterization of photoluminescence properties under blue light (465 nm).
• Evaluation of thermal stability, exciton binding energy (Eb), and anti-thermal quenching effects.
• Assessment of scintillator performance (light yield, radiation resistance) and X-ray imaging capabilities.

Main Results:

• Cs3EuCl6 microcrystals emit intense reddish-orange light under 465 nm blue light excitation.
• Exceptional thermal stability and anti-thermal quenching were observed.
• High exciton binding energy (Eb) and relaxed parity-forbidden 4f-4f transitions contribute to stability.
• Demonstrated high light yield (12,877 photons MeV-1) and radiation resistance as a scintillator.
• Achieved high spatial resolution (9.17 lp mm-1) in flexible X-ray imaging films.

Conclusions:

• 0D Cs3EuCl6 microcrystals offer a stable and efficient solution for blue-light-excited applications.
• Their properties make them suitable for advanced solid-state lighting, scintillators, and X-ray imaging.
• The findings pave the way for lead-free optoelectronic and radiation detection devices.