Moth‐Eye‐Engineered Flexible Films for X‐Ray Shielding and Persistent Radiation Warning

A moth‐eye‐engineered film SrAl2O4:Eu2+, Dy3+@SiO2 (SOD@SiO2) that integrates X‐ray shielding, persistent luminescence, and high‐resolution imaging. It bridges nighttime maritime rescue, radiation protection, and real‐time X‐ray hazard alerts, overcoming traditional trade‐offs between performance and environmental resilience. Abstract Developing flexible radiation detectors that maintain high performance under harsh environmental conditions remains a significant materials challenge. Conventional flexible scintillators often sacrifice either performance or stability. The study designed bioinspired SrAl2O4:Eu2+, Dy3+@SiO2 (SOD@SiO2) composites, where strong Al─O─Si covalent bonds created a unique moth‐eye morphology. SOD@SiO2 films produced through a scalable electrospinning process demonstrate excellent resistance to water, acids, and alkalis, ensuring stable performance in harsh environments. Their flexibility further enhances applicability in complex 3D structures. Comprehensive testing confirms that these films combine multiple advanced functions, including high X‐ray shielding efficiency (99.80% attenuation, equivalent to 0.35 mm Pb), ultrasensitive detection of low‐dose rate X‐rays (0.43 µGy s−1), high‐resolution X‐ray imaging (9.6 lp mm−1), and prolonged radiation‐induced visual warning lasting up to 20 h. This multifunctionality—unachievable with conventional SOD or lead‐based protective materials—provides a promising platform for developing next‐generation lightweight materials for radiation shielding, detection, and early warning. A moth-eye-engineered film SrAl 2 O 4:Eu 2+, Dy 3+ @SiO 2 (SOD@SiO 2 ) that integrates X-ray shielding, persistent luminescence, and high-resolution imaging. It bridges nighttime maritime rescue, radiation protection, and real-time X-ray hazard alerts, overcoming traditional trade-offs between performance and environmental resilience. Abstract Developing flexible radiation detectors that maintain high performance under harsh environmental conditions remains a significant materials challenge. Conventional flexible scintillators often sacrifice either performance or stability. The study designed bioinspired SrAl 2 O 4:Eu 2+, Dy 3+ @SiO 2 (SOD@SiO 2 ) composites, where strong Al─O─Si covalent bonds created a unique moth-eye morphology. SOD@SiO 2 films produced through a scalable electrospinning process demonstrate excellent resistance to water, acids, and alkalis, ensuring stable performance in harsh environments. Their flexibility further enhances applicability in complex 3D structures. Comprehensive testing confirms that these films combine multiple advanced functions, including high X-ray shielding efficiency (99.80% attenuation, equivalent to 0.35 mm Pb), ultrasensitive detection of low-dose rate X-rays (0.43 µGy s −1 ), high-resolution X-ray imaging (9.6 lp mm −1 ), and prolonged radiation-induced visual warning lasting up to 20 h. This multifunctionality—unachievable with conventional SOD or lead-based protective materials—provides a promising platform for developing next-generation lightweight materials for radiation shielding, detection, and early warning. Advanced Science, Volume 12, Issue 48, December 29, 2025.