From sintering to particle discrimination: New opportunities in Metal-Organic Frameworks scintillators

Abstract : The characterization of a scintillating Metal Organic Framework (MOF) is not straightforward, mainly due to the small size and low density of the material. In this context, we present herein a generic method to give an easy access to the determination of a key parameter in the scintillation field, namely the light output. To reach this, MOF-205 was first synthesized as millimetric-size single crystals then sintered under pressure and temperature conditions to afford a pellet. The density was increased by 300% while maintaining optical properties on par with scintillation application. The as-prepared scintillator was then characterized in terms of photoluminescence (UV-excited emission spectrum, time-correlated single photon counting) and radioluminescence spectroscopy (beta-excited emission spectrum, alpha, beta and gamma pulse height spectra, alpha/beta and alpha/gamma discrimination). Results were compared with commercial BC-404 plastic scintillator performances as well as supported by MCNP6.2 simulation.