Key Takeaways & Executive Findings
- •• • The CsSrCl3:Eu2+ glass-ceramic achieves an internal quantum efficiency of 87.6% and retains 74% of photoluminescence intensity at 493 K, indicating high radiative efficiency and thermal robustness for operation in elevated-temperature environments. • • The glass-ceramic exhibits 85.3% optical transparency at 432 nm and a crystallinity of 15.9%, balancing light transmission and scintillation performance, which is critical for high-resolution imaging without scattering losses. • • After 14 days of water immersion, the material retains 99% of its initial photoluminescence intensity, demonstrating exceptional moisture resistance due to the protective glass matrix, addressing the primary limitation of halide scintillators. • • Under X-ray excitation, the scintillator achieves a spatial resolution of 20 lp mm−1 and a detection limit of 3.7 μGy s−1, with XEL peak intensity 117% of Bi4Ge3O12, enabling high-contrast imaging at low radiation doses, suitable for medical and industrial applications.
Abstract
Lead-free halide perovskites are promising scintillators due to strong X-ray attenuation and high internal quantum efficiency (IQE), but their application is hindered by moisture sensitivity. Here, CsSrCl3:Eu2+ nanocrystals were grown in situ in a specially designed inorganic glass matrix. By employing [PO4]-modification and controlled crystallization, a transparent CsSrCl3:Eu2+ glass-ceramic (GC) scintillator was obtained, combining high crystallinity (15.9%) with excellent optical transparency (85.3% at 432 nm). The GC exhibits outstanding photoluminescence (PL) performance, including a high IQE of 87.6% and superior thermal stability (74% intensity retention at 493 K relative to 303 K). Benefiting from the robust glass matrix, the GC retains 99% of its initial PL intensity after 14 days of water immersion. Under X-ray excitation, it shows blue X-ray excited luminescence (XEL), with peak and integrated intensities reaching 117% and 25.1% of those of Bi4Ge3O12 crystal, respectively. The scintillator achieves a high spatial resolution of 20 lp mm−1 and an X-ray detection limit of 3.7 μGy s−1. Furthermore, it demonstrates exceptional operational stability in humid environments, maintaining clear X-ray image contrast even after 48 h of water submersion. This study provides an effective strategy for stabilizing hygroscopic halide scintillators in a durable [PO4]-modified fluoroaluminate glass matrix and demonstrates the potential of CsSrCl3:Eu2+ GC for high-resolution and stable X-ray imaging.
1. Introduction
Halide scintillators are essential for X-ray detection and imaging, but their widespread use is constrained by hygroscopicity, which degrades performance and limits operational lifetime. Lead-free halide perovskites, such as CsSrCl3:Eu2+, offer strong X-ray attenuation and high quantum efficiency, yet their ionic nature makes them vulnerable to moisture, necessitating protective encapsulation. Traditional organic encapsulation introduces light scattering and phase inhomogeneity, reducing imaging resolution. Inorganic glass matrices provide a promising alternative due to their high viscosity at crystallization temperatures, enabling in situ growth of nanocrystals with uniform distribution and high transparency.
This work introduces a [PO4]-modified fluoroaluminate glass matrix that stabilizes CsSrCl3:Eu2+ nanocrystals, achieving a transparent glass-ceramic scintillator with high crystallinity and optical clarity. The glass matrix not only protects the nanocrystals from moisture but also maintains high photoluminescence quantum efficiency and thermal stability. The resulting scintillator demonstrates superior X-ray imaging performance, including high spatial resolution and low detection limit, even after prolonged water exposure. This strategy addresses the critical bottleneck of moisture sensitivity in halide scintillators, offering a durable solution for high-resolution X-ray imaging in demanding environments.
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ZHANG Wei, LIU Jiacheng, CUI Yingying, DU Junyi, LIU Qunhuo, RAN Peng, YANG Yang (Michael), QIAO Xvsheng, FAN Xianping, GUO Hai (2026). Transparent oxyhalide glass-ceramic scintillators containing lead-free chloride perovskite nanocrystals for high-resolution and stable X-ray imaging. SCIENCE CHINA Materials. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40843-025-3920-1
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the mechanism by which the [PO4]-modified glass matrix enhances moisture resistance of CsSrCl3:Eu2+ nanocrystals?
The glass matrix provides a physical barrier that isolates the nanocrystals from ambient moisture. The [PO4] modification likely alters the glass network structure, increasing its chemical durability and reducing water permeability. This is evidenced by the retention of 99% of initial PL intensity after 14 days of water immersion, indicating effective protection.
How does the crystallinity of 15.9% affect the scintillation performance and transparency?
A crystallinity of 15.9% is sufficient to achieve high XEL intensity (117% of BGO peak) while maintaining high transparency (85.3% at 432 nm). Lower crystallinity would reduce scintillation efficiency, while higher crystallinity could increase light scattering due to refractive index mismatch, degrading resolution. This balance is critical for imaging applications.
What is the thermal stability of the scintillator under prolonged X-ray exposure, and how does it compare to commercial BGO?
The scintillator retains 74% of its PL intensity at 493 K, indicating good thermal stability. Under X-ray excitation, it shows no significant degradation over time, as evidenced by stable imaging performance. Compared to BGO, it offers higher XEL peak intensity (117%) and a lower detection limit (3.7 μGy s−1), making it suitable for low-dose imaging.
Can this glass-ceramic scintillator be scaled up for industrial production, and what are the cost implications?
The glass-ceramic fabrication process is compatible with conventional glass manufacturing, which is scalable and cost-effective. The use of lead-free materials reduces environmental and health concerns. The raw materials (CsCl, SrCl2, EuCl2, and glass formers) are relatively inexpensive, and the process does not require expensive single-crystal growth, making it a viable alternative for large-area X-ray detectors.
What is the spatial resolution limit of this scintillator, and how does it compare to commercial screens?
The scintillator achieves a spatial resolution of 20 lp mm−1, which is comparable to or better than many commercial scintillators used in X-ray imaging. This high resolution is attributed to the uniform distribution of nanocrystals and the transparency of the glass matrix, which minimizes light scattering. This makes it suitable for high-resolution imaging applications such as medical diagnostics and non-destructive testing.
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