Large-size flexible X-ray imaging and information encryption storage based on radio-photoluminescence

This study presented a breakthrough in flexible radiation-responsive materials through the fabrication of large-size flexible APGER films via a dual-component polymer encapsulation strategy (Ecoflex/RTV), effectively overcoming the intrinsic brittleness and hydrolytic instability of APG. Compared to FD-7 commercial dosimeter, the luminescence intensity of APGER films has increased by 10%, exhibiting exceptional mechanical and environmental stability, including tensile strain tolerance (>250 %); long-term durability under ambient conditions (>60 d in air) and aqueous environments (>20 d in water); superior hydrophobicity (water contact angle >110°). Notably, the APGER films demonstrated repeatable information encryption/decryption capability under UV exposure. The APGER films achieved a high-quality curved-surface X-ray imaging with a spatial resolution of 25 lp/mm, surpassing the performance of most flexible scintillators. Furthermore, the combination of radiation sensitivity, mechanical flexibility, and environmental resistance reveals APGER films have a potential for aquatic radiation monitoring and wearable anti-counterfeiting devices. • The RTV/Ecoflex two-component polymer encapsulation strategy was used to prepare APG/Ecoflex/RTV (APGER) films for the first time. • The APGER film showcased a large size (＞25×20 cm) and exhibited excellent tensile properties including tensile strain tolerance (>250 %), as well as the long-time storage properties (＞60 d in air and 20 d in water). • The APGER film maintained superb RPL properties including well radiation linear response and higher RPL intensity than the commercial FD-7 glass (increasing by 10%). • The APGER film had a high spatial resolution of 25 lp/mm and expanded the application in the field of X-ray surface imaging. In recent years, Ag-doped phosphate glass (APG), the most notable radio-photoluminescence (RPL) material, has attracted considerable interest in the field of radiation detection and imaging because of its excellent sensitivity and high spatial resolution. However, difficulties in the quenching process and curved-surface imaging have limited the long-term development of large-size, ultrathin APG plates. In this study, a breakthrough in flexible radiation-responsive materials was presented through the design and fabrication of large-size (＞25 × 20 cm) flexible APGER films via a dual-component polymer encapsulation strategy (Ecoflex/RTV) for the first time, effectively overcoming the intrinsic brittleness and hydrolytic instability of APG. The APGER film exhibited exceptional mechanical and environmental stability, including tensile strain tolerance (>250 %); long-term durability under ambient conditions (>60 d in air) and aqueous environments (>20 d in water); superior hydrophobicity (water contact angle >110°). Compared to FD-7 commercial dosimeter, the luminescence intensity of APGER films has increased by 10 %. Notably, the APGER films demonstrate repeatable information encryption/decryption capability under UV exposure, enabled by radiation-induced charge trapping/release mechanisms. The APGER films achieve a high-quality curved-surface X-ray imaging with a spatial resolution of 25 lp/mm, surpassing the performance of most flexible scintillators. Furthermore, the combination of radiation sensitivity, mechanical flexibility, and environmental resistance reveals APGER films have a potential for aquatic radiation monitoring and wearable anti-counterfeiting devices.