Ultrafast Nanocomposite Scintillators Based on Cd-Enhanced CsPbCl₃ Nanocrystals in Polymer Matrix

Abstract

Lead halide perovskite nanocrystals (LHP-NCs) embedded in polymer matrices are gaining traction as next-generation radiation detectors. While progress has been made on green-emitting CsPbBr 3 NCs, scant attention has been given to the scintillation properties of CsPbCl 3 NCs, which emit size-tunable UV-blue light matching the peak efficiency of ultrafast photodetectors. In this study, we explore the scintillation characteristics of CsPbCl 3 NCs produced through a scalable method and treated with CdCl 2 . Spectroscopic, radiometric, and theoretical analyses on both untreated and treated NCs uncover deep hole trap states due to surface undercoordinated chloride ions, eliminated by Pb to Cd substitution. This yields near-perfect efficiency and resistance to polyacrylate mass polymerization. Radiation hardness tests demonstrate stability to high γ doses, while time-resolved experiments reveal ultrafast radioluminescence with an average lifetime as short as 210 ps. These findings enhance our comprehension of LHP NCs’ scintillation properties, positioning CsPbCl 3 as a promising alternative to conventional fast scintillators.