Ultrahigh-efficiency X-ray energy dissipation enabled by the integration of core–shell photon nanotraps and hierarchical natural leather

Abstract

The widespread application of high-energy X-ray radiation has prompted improvements in the performance of radiation-protection materials. Currently, achieving enhanced X-ray shielding efficiency and minimized surficial photon scattering remains challenging when using traditional strategies. In this study, an ultrahigh-efficiency X-ray energy absorption strategy and mechanism are proposed by integrating Bi@Gd core–shell photon nanotraps into the hierarchical fibrous network of natural leather (Bi@Gd/NL), and the surficial-energy-transfer energy-attenuation mechanism of the traditional strategy was successfully transformed into internal-energy-dissipation. The proposed strategy could induce high-energy photons into a porous structure composed of hierarchical microfibers and nanofibers to reduce surface-scattered secondary radiation, and the well-assembled high-atomic-number core–shell nanotraps can trap photons within the structure and facilitate collisions and subsequent internal energy dissipation to improve the shielding capabilities. Our analysis shows that Bi@Gd/NL with 1.40 mmol cm−3 Bi and 0.11 mmol cm−3 Gd exhibits superior shielding performance against X-rays, comparable to that of a 0.25-mm Pb plate. More than 99.95 % photon energy is dissipated within the nanotraps, and the surficial scattering of photon is considerably lower than that of materials fabricated using the traditional strategy, indicating that the ionizing radiation hazards are successfully suppressed. Simultaneously, the developed materials demonstrate exceptional wearability, with a density of only 1/10 that of Pb, as well as outstanding flexibility, physiomechanical strength, and irradiation stability. This proposed strategy and mechanism provide important guidance and insights on the development of novel absorption-type shielding materials for protecting ionizing radiation-related individuals and environments.