In situ precipitation of Cs3Cu2I5 nanocrystals in inorganic glass with long-term water stability for X-ray imaging

Abstract

Zero-dimensional lead-free metal halides Cs₃Cu₂X₅ (X = Cl, Br, and I) have attracted much attention in recent years due to their unique structure, photoelectric properties and environment-friendly nature; unfortunately they are sensitive to humidity. Herein, Cs₃Cu₂I₅ nanocrystals (NCs) were successfully precipitated in situ within glass using the methods of melt quenching and heat treatment (Cs₃Cu₂I₅ glass ceramic). The optical characterization and morphological characterization provide evidence for the successful in situ precipitation of the Cs₃Cu₂I₅ glass ceramic, and the photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY) is as high as 63.3%. The water stability of Cs₃Cu₂I₅ NCs is greatly improved due to the inorganic glass matrix, and the fluorescence intensity remains largely unchanged for 30 days. The Cs₃Cu₂I₅ glass ceramic endows Cs₃Cu₂I₅ NCs with a wider range of application areas. Finally, by constructing an X-ray imaging system using Cs₃Cu₂I₅ glass ceramics, springs in opaque samples were observed to be visible, demonstrating the great potential of Cs₃Cu₂I₅ glass ceramics with long-term stability for X-ray detection imaging.