Stable and Printable Direct X-Ray Detectors Based on Micropyramid ω-Bi2O3 With Low Detection Limit

Direct X-ray detection plays an indispensable role in medical and industrial development. However, developing a stable, low-cost, and sensitive direct X-ray detector is highly desired for future commercial application. In this work, a direct X-ray detector using a straightforward digital printing fabrication process based on nontoxic micropyramid triclinic bismuth oxide (omega-Bi2O3) ink is reported. The printed device exhibits a low detection limit of 56.95 mu Gy(air) s(-1) with a sensitivity of 3.077 mu C Gy(air)(-1) cm(-2) at 20 V bias voltage, which is better than most of the metal oxide-based direct X-ray detectors reported so far. Furthermore, the omega-Bi2O3 based X-ray detector shows excellent stability without packaging for eight months and exposure to a dose of 5120 mGy(air) equivalent to 25 000 chest X-ray scans. The applicability of our array device printed in a direct patterning method as an X-ray imaging detector is shown. Our findings inform a qualified competitor in the medical and industrial fields in the future.

Automated summary

A direct X-ray detector based on non-toxic micropyramid triclinic bismuth oxide (omega-Bi2O3) ink was developed using a digital printing fabrication process, showing a low detection limit and high sensitivity. The detector demonstrated excellent stability without packaging for eight months and exposure to a high dose of X-ray scans, proving its potential as a competitor in medical and industrial fields in the future.