Hydrophobic long-chain two-dimensional perovskite scintillators for underwater X-ray imaging

Abstract: The underwater X-ray imaging technology development is significant to subaqueous target reconnaissance/detection/identification, subfluvial archaeology, submerged resource exploration, etc. As the core of X-ray imaging detection, the scintillator has been plagued by inherent moisture absorption and decomposition, and strict requirements for seamless packaging and waterproofing. Here, we designed a manganese-doped two-dimensional (2D) perovskite scintillator modified by hydrophobic long-chain organic amine through the combination of component and doping engineering. The modified perovskites show high water repellency that can be used as an underwater X-ray scintillator. X-ray images of aquatic organisms or other objects with a high spatial resolution of 10 lp·mm⁻¹ at a big view field (32 mm × 32 mm) were obtained by scintillation screen. This hydrophobic perovskite scintillator based on molecular design is of great promise in underwater X-ray nondestructive testing technology development. Graphical abstract: [Figure not available: see fulltext.].