Visible colorimetric dosimetry of UV and ionizing radiations by a dual-module photochromic nanocluster

Abstract

Radiation dosimeters displaying conspicuous response of irradiance are highly desirable, owing to the growing demand of monitoring high-energy radiation and environmental exposure. Herein, we present a case of dosimetry based on a discrete nanocluster, [Th6(OH)4(O)4(H2O)6](TPC)8(HCOO)4∙4DMF∙H2O (Th-SINAP-100), by judiciously incorporating heavy Th6 polynuclear centers as radiation attenuator and organic linkers as photo-responsive sensor. Interestingly, dual-module photochromic transitions upon multiple external stimuli including UV, β-ray, and γ-ray are integrated into this single material. The striking color change, and more significantly, the visible color transition of luminescence in response to accumulating radiation dose allow an on-site quantitative platform for naked-eye detection of ionization radiations over a broad range (1–80 kGy). Single crystal X-ray diffraction and density functional theory calculations reveal that the dual-module photochromism can be attributed to the π(TPC) → π*(TPC) intermolecular charge transfer driven by enhanced π-π stacking interaction between the adjacent TPC moieties upon irradiation.

Electron and gamma irradiation‐induced effects in poly(ethylene‐co‐tetrafluoroethylene) films

“…Recently, several materials have been tested for radiation dosimetry using both experimental EPR and UV-Vis and theoretical density functional theory (DFT) methods. [85][86][87] DFT calculations were mainly performed to optimize the structures of the tested materials and can support a further understanding of the characteristic features of radicals induced by irradiation. However, there are no reports for direct DFT calculations of the ETFE films in the literature.…”

“…This can be considered for dosimetry application, similar to the suggestion of the FTIR results. Recently, several materials have been tested for radiation dosimetry using both experimental EPR and UV–Vis and theoretical density functional theory (DFT) methods 85–87 . DFT calculations were mainly performed to optimize the structures of the tested materials and can support a further understanding of the characteristic features of radicals induced by irradiation.…”

Application of the fluorescent fingerprinting strategy for the verification of electron-beam and X-ray irradiation of potato tubers

“…The dose absorbed by the foods is usually measured by chemical dosimerty, a group of well-developed techniques that employs UV-visible and uorescence methods for the determination of doses 6,7 . However, a dosimeter must be irradiated along with the food sample to determine the dose.…”

Unveiling the new function of uranyl molecular clusters as fluorometric sensors for UV and X-ray dosimetry

“…21–23 In addition, we have recently developed a series of radiochromic or fluorochromic terpyridine-containing MOFs and clusters, which can withstand a radiation dose up to 1 MGy. 24–27 However, dosimeters based on these state-of-the-art materials remain a small group and are worth further exploration.…”