Color-tunable X-ray scintillation based on a series of isotypic lanthanide–organic frameworks

Abstract

For the first time, we report intense X-ray scintillation enabled by a series of isotypic lanthanide (Eu and Tb) based metal–organic frameworks, initially showing a very efficient X-ray to visible light luminescence conversion. By systematic adjusting of the molar ratio of Eu³⁺ and Tb³⁺ in the same MOF structure as a traditional strategy for color-tuning in lanthanide-based photoluminescent materials, linear multicolor visualization of X-ray radiation from red to green can be facilely achieved, providing a new class of scintillating materials with continuous color tunability that can be customized for desired purposes. Moreover, these lanthanide–organic framework based scintillators exhibit excellent radiation resistance and humidity stability, in comparison with the state of the art and commercially-available X-ray scintillator, CsI:Tl.