CdSiO3:Pr3+ nanophosphor: Synthesis, characterization and thermoluminescence studies

A series of Pr3+ (1–9 mol%) doped CdSiO3 nanophosphors have been prepared for the first time by a low temperature solution combustion method using oxalyldihydrizide (ODH) as a fuel. The final product was characterized by Powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and UV–Vis spectroscopy. The average crystallite size was calculated using Debye–Scherrer’s formula and Williamson–Hall (W–H) plots and found to be in the range 31–37 nm. The optical energy band gap (Eg) of undoped for Pr3+ doped samples were estimated from Tauc relation which varies from 5.15–5.36 eV. Thermoluminescence (TL) properties of Pr3+ doped CdSiO3 nanophosphor has been investigated using γ-irradiation in the dose range 1–6 kGy at a heating rate of 5 °C s−1. The phosphor shows a well resolved glow peak at ∼171 °C along with shouldered peak at 223 °C in the higher temperature side. It is observed that TL intensity increase with increase of Pr3+ concentration. Further, the TL intensity at 171 °C is found to be increase linearly with increase in γ-dose which is highly useful in radiation dosimetry. The kinetic parameters such as activation energy (E), frequency factor (s) and order of kinetics was estimated by Luschiks method and the results are discussed.

Graphical abstractTL glow curves of CdSiO3 doped with Pr3+ (1–9 mol%) nanocrystalline phosphor irradiated with γ-rays of 6 kGy. (Inset: variation of TL intensity as a function of Pr3+ concentration in CdSiO3 nanocrystalline phosphor.)Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights► CaSiO3:Pr3+ (1–9 mol%) nanophosphors using ODH fuel were prepared for the first time. ► Phosphors are well characterized by PXRD, SEM, FTIR and UV–Vis spectroscopy. ► TL properties were evaluated for its possible usage in radiation dosimeter.