Reduced aggregation of NiS nanoparticles incorporated in AlMCM-41 material by neutron radiation

Nickel sulfide nanoparticles powder was synthesized in AlMCM-41 molecular sieve by using ion exchange method. Sample was irradiated by Am–Be neutron source up to fluencies (12.94×109 n cm−2) to study neutron radiation effect on optical properties of prepared nanoparticles. The sample was characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), UV–vis Spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) techniques. The results show that in the neutron irradiated sample, nanoparticles size and aggregation of NiS nanoparticles in AlMCM-41 are decreased. The TEM images show average size of NiS nanoparticles before and after neutron radiation about 130 and 70 nm, respectively. The DRS results show that Ni2+ ions produced after neutron radiation, located in tetrahedral sites in AlMCM-41. The results indicate host materials have important role in decrease of radiation defects (RDs). The optical band gap of neutron irradiated sample increased from 3.5 to 3.7 eV.

► Neutron radiation directly interacts with nuclei and releases free-radicals.
► Irradiation with neutron formed simple radiation defects in nanocomposite.
► Hosting material has important role in causing simple radiation defect.