High Light Yield Terbium‐Based Metal–Organic Framework Scintillators for High‐Resolution X‐Ray Imaging

ABSTRACT Lanthanide‐based metal–organic frameworks are regarded as promising next‐generation scintillators because of their characteristic X‐ray excited luminescence, low detection limit, and high imaging resolution, but high light yield and spatial resolution of LnMOFs are still a challenge for realizing commercial applications. Herein, we synthesize LnMIP (MIP = 5‐methoxyisophthalic acid) by the stirring method in the water phase at room temperature. Due to the heavy lanthanide ions self and high energy transfer efficiency from ligand to lanthanide ions, LnMIP present nano level detection limit. The detection limit of TbMIP can reach 39.42 nGy·s −1 . Notably, the light yield of TbMIP is up to 58700 photons MeV −1 , which is the highest value among LnMOFs constructed by a single carboxyl ligand. The mechanism can be illustrated by the electron‐hole transfer from active atoms to the singlet/triplet state of the ligand and the excited level of lanthanide emission centers. Based on the constructed flexible TbMIP@PDMS film, the practical imaging resolution of that film can be raised to 20 lp mm −1 . The work demonstrates the significant potential of LnMOFs, particularly those with high light yield like TbMIP, as next‐generation scintillators for medical diagnostics and non‐destructive testing, combining facile synthesis with superior performance.