Development of La–graphene composite contrasting agents for photon-counting computed tomography

This work describes the synthesis, analysis, and testing of the novel type of La/graphene composites as potential contrasting agents (CAs) for photon-counting computed tomography (PCCT). The impregnation of oxidized graphene nanoflakes (GNFs) with Lanthanum nitrate solution resulted in uniform distribution of La-containing particles on the flake surface with particle size of about 2–3 nm. La was confirmed to be a suitable contrasting element for PCCT that could be visualized in reference phantom media and in the presence of other CAs. Minimum concentration of La in the composites determined by PCCT was in the range of 2.5–5 mg⋅ml[Formula: see text].