Journal of the American Chemical SocietyYear:2026DOI:10.1021/jacs.6c03617
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.