Perovskite Crystals in X-Ray Detection: Advances in Low-Dose Imaging Technologies

By Dr Silpaja Chandrasekar, PhDReviewed by Lexie CornerDec 18 2024

Perovskite single crystals have gained significant attention as they are easy to synthesize and have excellent optoelectronic properties, such as long carrier diffusion lengths, high mobility, and tunable absorption from ultraviolet (UV) to near-infrared (NIR). These properties make them suitable for applications in solar cells, photodetectors, and lasers.¹

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Properties of Perovskite Crystals

Perovskite materials exist in various forms, each offering unique properties that make them suitable for different imaging applications, particularly in radiation detection.

• Three-dimensional (3D) perovskites, such as methylammonium lead iodide (MAPbI₃), provide high X-ray absorption and superior charge transport, making them ideal for medical imaging and safety solutions. Their strong optoelectronic performance and scalability allow easy integration into large-area imaging devices.²
• Two-dimensional (2D) perovskites have a layered structure, which provides enhanced stability and efficient X-ray absorption. Their tunable properties make them well-suited for use in photodetectors and radiation sensors.²
• Zero-dimensional (0D) perovskites exhibit quantum effects that enhance exciton separation and carrier transfer, resulting in high sensitivity for X-ray and gamma-ray detection. These properties make them suitable for high-performance imaging devices.³
• Hybrid perovskites, which combine organic and inorganic components, exhibit high X-ray absorption and ion mobility, and they can be produced cost-effectively using solution-based methods, making them ideal for large-area radiation detectors.⁴
• Double perovskites are reliable for X-ray detection, offering additional magnetic and electrochemical properties, which makes them promising for advanced imaging technologies.⁵
• Lead-free perovskites, such as those based on tin or bismuth, provide an environmentally safe alternative to lead-based materials.

Advancements in X-Ray Detection

Single-crystal perovskites, such as cesium lead bromide (CsPbBr₃), offer superior X-ray attenuation and sensitivity compared to traditional X-ray detectors. These materials exhibit high X-ray absorption productivity and low detectable dose rates, making them suitable for medical and industrial applications where reducing radiation exposure is critical.

A recent study in RSC Advances highlighted the advancements in single-crystal perovskite synthesis, structural modifications, and device architectures that amplify radiation sensing performance.⁶ It emphasizes the superior accuracy and low detectable dose rates of single-crystal perovskite-based devices compared to traditional X-ray detectors.

2D perovskites have a preferred orientation parallel to the substrate, which helps suppress dark current in detectors, leading to improved performance. While their light response to X-rays is limited, these materials enhance overall efficiency by reducing noise and increasing sensitivity to lower X-ray doses.

Lead-free perovskites, such as tin-based perovskites (CsSnI₃), maintain high X-ray attenuation while addressing environmental and health risks associated with lead-based materials, making them a sustainable choice for future X-ray detectors.

A recent advancement in X-ray detection, published in Nanomaterials, revealed that single-crystal perovskites offer superior X-ray attenuation and sensitivity, while 2D layered and double perovskites enhance performance by suppressing dark current and improving attenuation.⁸

Significant progress in perovskite fabrication methods, such as solution-based processing and hot-pressing techniques, has enabled the production of large-area and thick perovskite films. This upscaling is key to commercializing perovskite-based X-ray detectors, making them applicable in real-world settings, such as medical imaging and industrial inspection.

Applications Across Sectors

In medical diagnostics, perovskite crystals enable clearer imaging with significantly lower radiation exposure, reducing risks to patients. This advancement enhances the detection and monitoring of diseases, such as cancer, while maintaining X-ray clarity.

Perovskite-based detectors improve safety and diagnostic accuracy, while also ensuring effective threat identification.⁹ For example, an ultrasensitive X-ray detector based on cesium silver bismuth bromide (Cs₂AgBiBr₆) lead-free perovskite films significantly improves detection performance while reducing radiation exposure in both medical examinations and security screening processes.¹⁰

In security screening, perovskite crystals improve the efficiency and accuracy of baggage and personnel checks at airports and public venues. Their enhanced sensitivity to X-rays helps detect concealed threats. Additionally, their ability to produce high-resolution images at lower doses reduces health risks for security personnel and the public, while improving processing speed without compromising safety.

In industrial inspection, perovskite crystals support non-destructive testing (NDT) to evaluate the structural integrity of materials and components. They provide precise imaging for identifying flaws in critical infrastructure, such as pipelines and aerospace components, ensuring safety and reliability in manufacturing processes. These detectors also help pinpoint weaknesses in high-stress areas, preventing potential failures and reducing downtime and maintenance costs.

In research and development, perovskite crystals facilitate advanced imaging in material science, biology, and chemistry. They can detect structural variations and chemical compositions, making them valuable for techniques like X-ray diffraction and spectroscopy. These crystals also enable the creation of customized imaging systems tailored to specific research needs, showcasing their flexibility across various fields.⁴

A recent study in Scientific Reports highlighted the advancements in hybrid MAPbI₃ perovskite-based detectors for large-area X-ray imaging. These detectors offer high precision, durability, and reliable performance under high-energy conditions, addressing the limitations of traditional materials like amorphous selenium and cadmium telluride. However, challenges remain regarding their long-term resilience and lead toxicity, which could hinder adoption in certain applications.

Efforts to improve the stability and moisture resistance of metal halide perovskite (MHP) materials have further enhanced their suitability for low-level exposure, high-resolution imaging applications.¹¹ Additionally, halide perovskites are being explored for advanced X-ray detectors, offering high detection rates and low detection limits, improving performance for both medical and industrial applications.¹²

Summary and Future Potential of Perovskite Crystals in X-Ray Detection

Perovskite crystals are advancing X-ray detection and imaging technologies. Developments in single-crystal, 2D, 0D, hybrid, and lead-free perovskites have improved radiation sensing capabilities, enhancing detection, stability, and X-ray absorption. These materials address key challenges, such as reducing radiation exposure and improving long-term performance, making them valuable for both medical and industrial applications.

The ongoing development of low-cost, scalable fabrication methods, such as solution-based processing, is crucial for the broader adoption of perovskite-based X-ray detectors. As research progresses, these detectors are expected to play a key role in low-intensity imaging technologies, enabling safer diagnostic procedures and more efficient security screening while contributing to more cost-effective and environmentally friendly imaging solutions.

Reference and Further Reading

1. Rong, S., Faheem, M. B., Li, Y. (2021). Perovskite single crystals: Synthesis, properties, and applications. Journal of Electronic Science and Technology, 19:2, 100081. DOI: 10.1016/j.jnlest.2021.100081, https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1674862X21000021

2. Metcalf, I., et al. (2023). Synergy of 3D and 2D Perovskites for Durable, Efficient Solar Cells and Beyond. Chemical Reviews. DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.3c00214, https://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/acs.chemrev.3c00214

3. Sun, S., et al. (2021). 0D Perovskites: Unique Properties, Synthesis, and Their Applications. Advanced Science. DOI: 10.1002/advs.202102689, https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/advs.202102689

 4. Duan, J., Li, J., Giorgio Divitini, Cortecchia, D., Yuan, F., You, J., Liu, S. F., Petrozza, A., Wu, Z., Xi, J. (2024). Two‐dimensional Hybrid Perovskites: from Static and Dynamic Structures to Potential Applications. Advanced Materials. DOI: 10.1002/adma.202403455, https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/adma.202403455

5.Obada, D. O., et al. (2024). Lead-Free Double Perovskites: A Review of the Structural, Optoelectronic, Mechanical, and Thermoelectric Properties Derived from First-Principles Calculations, and Materials Design Applicable for Pedagogical Purposes. Crystals. DOI: 10.3390/cryst14010086, https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4352/14/1/86

6. Md. Helal Miah, et al. (2024). Perovskite materials in X-ray detection and imaging: recent progress, challenges, and future prospects. RSC Advances. DOI: 10.1039/d4ra00433g, https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlehtml/2024/ra/d4ra00433g

8. Lin, C., Huang, K., Chen, Y., Hsueh, S., Li, M., Chen, P. (2022). Perovskite-Based X-ray Detectors. Nanomaterials. DOI: 10.3390/nano13132024, https://www.mdpi.com/2079-4991/13/13/2024

9. Pavao Andričević. (2021). The Impact of Detection Volume on Hybrid Halide Perovskite-Based Radiation Detectors. Springer EBooks. DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-76461-6_3, https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-030-76461-6_3

10. Zhang, H., et al. (2020). Encapsulated X-Ray Detector Enabled by All-Inorganic Lead-Free Perovskite Film With High Sensitivity and Low Detection Limit. IEEE Transactions on Electron Devices. DOI: 10.1109/ted.2020.2998763, https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/abstract/document/9110763

11. Fan, J., et al. Metal Halide Perovskites for Direct X-Ray Detection in Medical Imaging: To Higher Performance. Advanced Functional Materials. DOI: 10.1002/adfm.202401017, https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/adfm.202401017

12. Yao, F., Dong, K., Ke, W., Fang, G. (2024). Micro/Nano Perovskite Materials for Advanced X-ray Detection and Imaging. ACS Nano. DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.3c10116, https://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/acsnano.3c10116

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