Thermoluminescence and EPR studies of nanocrystalline Nd2O3:Ni2+ phosphor

Nanocrystalline Nd2O3:Ni2+ (2 mol%) phosphor has been prepared by a low temperature (∼400 °C) solution combustion method, in a very short time (<5 min). Powder X-ray diffraction results confirm the single hexagonal phase of nanopowders. Scanning electron micrographs show that nanophosphor has porous nature and the particles are agglomerated. Transmission electron microscopy confirms the nanosize (20–25 nm) of the crystallites. The electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectrum exhibits a symmetric absorption at g ≈ 2.77 which suggests that the site symmetry around Ni2+ ions is predominantly octahedral. The number of spins participating in resonance (N) and the paramagnetic susceptibility (χ) has been evaluated. Raman study show major peaks, which are assigned to Fg and combination of Ag + Eg modes. Thermoluminescence (TL) studies reveal well resolved glow peaks at 169 °C along with shoulder peak at around 236 °C. The activation energy (E in eV), order of kinetics (b) and frequency factor (s) were estimated using glow peak shape method. It is observed that the glow peak intensity at169 °C increases linearly with γ-dose which suggest that Nd2O3:Ni2+ is suitable for radiation dosimetry applications.

TL glow curves of Nd2O3:Ni2+ γ-irradiated for (a) 0.228 Gy (b) 0.685 Gy (c) 1.142 kGy (d) 1.6 kGy (e) 2.057 kGy.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights
► Nd2O3:Ni2+ (2 mol%) phosphor has been prepared by solution combustion method.
► EPR study shows the site symmetry around Ni2+ ions is predominantly octahedral.
► TL glow peak intensity at169 °C increases linearly with gamma dose.