Ponente
Descripción
Perovskite materials possess a unique crystal structure and show great promise in applications such as solar cells, LEDs, lasers, and photodetectors. Recently, they have gained attention as efficient X-ray detectors, particularly lead halide perovskites (HPs), which are known for their excellent luminescence, high mobility-lifetime product (μτ), and sensitivity to X-rays [1]. Their adjustable band gap and low cost enable the production of thick films over large areas, making them attractive alternatives to commercial products such as thallium-doped cesium iodide (CsI:Tl) and amorphous silicon (Si) [2].
Additionally, studies on the scintillation properties of CsCu₂X₃ and Cs₃Cu₂X₅ (where X: Cl⁻, Br⁻, I⁻), which are based on halide perovskite structures, have revealed their luminescence induced by charged particles and a simple, cost-effective deposition method that does not require external dopants. These materials have also been investigated as hybrid detectors to enhance their efficiency [3].
The search for new materials in this area has led to the identification of the radioluminescent properties of barium zirconate perovskite (BaZrO₃), discovered by Moreira and collaborators through crystal growth via the microwave-assisted hydrothermal method [4]. BaZrO₃, a material with a wide band gap, offers unique advantages, demonstrating increased luminescent emission proportional to the growth time. Additionally, it exhibits structural stability under high doses of irradiation and has been investigated as a UV detector [5,6].
Building on these advances, this work aims to explore BaZrO₃ as an innovative material for ionizing radiation detection that is free of lead. Pure BaZrO₃ and rare-earth-doped BaZrO₃ materials were grown using the microwave-assisted hydrothermal method and characterized through diffuse reflectance and radioluminescence spectroscopic analyses. These characterizations identified an experimental band gap of approximately 5 eV and a radioluminescent emission peak in the 450 nm range, allowing for variations in emission with modifications in growth and doping parameters.
Through the deposition of thin films on polystyrene substrates via the doctor blade method, their timing capabilities are being investigated in comparison to standard detectors, such as commercial LYSO and CsI scintillators coupled with photodetectors (SiPMs). By combining adjustable properties, a wide band gap, and enhanced performance, the investigation of new perovskites presents a strong candidate for redefining radiation detection paradigms, contributing to the development of more effective and accessible systems.
[1] Materials Today, 2022, 55, 110–136.
[2] RSC Adv., 2024, 14, 6656.
[3] Adv. Funct. Mater., 2022, 2206645.
[4] Scripta Mater., 2011, 64, 118–121.
[5] Radiat. Phys. Chem., 2017, 139, 152–155.
[6] Inorg. Chem., 2024, 63, 5865−5871.
