Thermally Activated Delayed Fluorescence Hybrid Copper(I) Iodide Scintillator for Fast Neutron and X-ray Imaging
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Developing high-performance dual imaging applications, such as fast neutron and X-ray applications, using a single material presents a very significant challenge across chemistry, material science, physics, and engineering. Integrating both imaging capabilities into a single material for specialized detection applications will simplify device design and significantly reduce overall detection costs. This work represents the first demonstration of a lead-free system designed for high-performance dual imaging applications. It features a multifunctional hybrid copper(I) iodide scintillator, in which hydrogen-rich and luminescent units are synergistically coupled at the molecular level, enabling the simultaneous imaging of fast neutrons and X-rays. The perfect synergy of exciton confinement and thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) effects empowers this material with exceptional dual imaging capabilities. The confined structure formed by heavy-atom modules at the core imparts a high exciton binding energy, suppressing the nonradiative recombination of excitons. The TADF mechanism channels phonons generated by high-energy radiation into the radiative recombination process. Additionally, the lack of self-absorption guarantees efficient photon utilization. Leveraging these properties, the material achieves an impressive X-ray light yield of approximately 42,000 photons/MeV and an exceptional spatial resolution of 25.8 lp/mm for X-ray imaging, surpassing most commercial scintillators available in the X-ray market. Furthermore, the material demonstrates an outstanding spatial resolution of 1.47 lp/mm in fast neutron imaging, representing the best level reported to date for a Pb-free scintillator. This environmentally friendly and high-performance multifunctional scintillator significantly advances next-generation scintillation materials, presenting exciting opportunities for high-precision and dual imaging applications at a low cost.
DOI: 10.1021/jacs.6c03617
Institutions: Beijing Institute of Technology, Hubei University of Arts and Science, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Beijing Normal University, Northwest Institute of Nuclear Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Beijing University of Technology, Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Shandong University, State Key Laboratory of Crystal Materials
Language: English
Subfield: Radiation
Field: Physics and Astronomy
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $4,500
Funders: Shandong University, State Key Laboratory of Crystal Materials, National Natural Science Foundation of China, Beijing Normal University, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Natural Science Foundation of Hubei Province, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Beijing Institute of Technology, Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics, Hubei University of Arts and Science, Hubei University
OpenAlex ID: W7155107688