A New Concept of Radiation Detection Based on a Fluorochromic and Piezochromic Nanocluster

J Am Chem Soc. 2022 Mar 2;144(8):3449-3457. doi: 10.1021/jacs.1c11496. Epub 2022 Jan 20.

Abstract

Developing materials that possess colorimetric responses to external stimuli is a promising strategy for addressing the current challenges in radiation dosimetry. Currently, colorimetric ionizing-radiation-responsive materials remain underexplored, and those with multistimuli response are rare. Herein, the integration of thorium cation and photoresponsive terpyridine carboxylate ligand gives rise to a thorium nanocluster, Th-101, which displays the second case of fluorochromic response and unprecedented piezochromic behavior among all actinide materials. The emission color of Th-101 exhibits a gradual transition from blue to cyan to green upon irradiation with accumulated dose, which renders colorimetric dosimetry of ionizing radiation based on a red-green-blue (RGB) concept. Further fabricating Th-101 into a custom-built optoelectronic device allows for on-site quantification of radiation dose with merits of ease of operation, rapid readout, and cost-effectiveness.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Colorimetry
  • Fluorescent Dyes*
  • Thorium*

Substances

  • Fluorescent Dyes
  • Thorium