In situ precipitation of Cs3Cu2I5 nanocrystals in inorganic glass with long-term water stability for X-ray imaging

Zero-dimensional lead-free metal halides Cs3Cu2X5 (X = Cl, Br, and I) have attracted much attention in recent years due to their unique structure, photoelectric properties and environment-friendly nature; unfortunately they are sensitive to humidity. Herein, Cs3Cu2I5 nanocrystals (NCs) were successfully precipitated in situ within glass using the methods of melt quenching and heat treatment (Cs3Cu2I5 glass ceramic). The optical characterization and morphological characterization provide evidence for the successful in situ precipitation of the Cs3Cu2I5 glass ceramic, and the photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY) is as high as 63.3%. The water stability of Cs3Cu2I5 NCs is greatly improved due to the inorganic glass matrix, and the fluorescence intensity remains largely unchanged for 30 days. The Cs3Cu2I5 glass ceramic endows Cs3Cu2I5 NCs with a wider range of application areas. Finally, by constructing an X-ray imaging system using Cs3Cu2I5 glass ceramics, springs in opaque samples were observed to be visible, demonstrating the great potential of Cs3Cu2I5 glass ceramics with long-term stability for X-ray detection imaging.