Abstract
Low-energy X-rays have a predominant role in medical diagnostic applications, grown tremendously during recent Covid-19 pandemic times. Synthesis of stable, PMMA/polystyrene-BiI(3) composites has been done through a facile, low-cost, dry-tumble mixing technique for direct X-ray detector applications. Comparative analysis of structural, optical, and photocurrent responses upon irradiation with low-energy X-rays (30 and 60 kV) ensue that PS-BiI(3) demonstrates high SNR 3300, sensitivity 189 µC Gy(-1) cm(-3) and fast response time 30 ms, at dose rate 1.68 mGy s(-1), affirming the composite to be prospective candidate for low-energy, room-temperature, direct X-ray detectors under low bias conditions. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1557/s43579-022-00185-6.