X-ray/gamma radiation shielding properties of zinc ferrite nanoparticles synthesised via solution combustion method.

Zinc ferrite (ZnFe2O4) nanoparticles were synthesised via solution combustion method using urea as a fuel. The synthesised samples were characterised with various techniques. The cubic structure with Fd-3 m space group is confirmed by Powder X-ray Diffraction and Bragg's reflection. The crystallite size estimated from Scherrer's method was found to be 40 nm. The agglomerated irregular shape and sized surface morphology was confirmed by Scanning Electron Microscopy image. The direct energy band gap determined from Wood and Tauc's relation was found to be 5.25 eV. Using a NaI (Tl) detector and multi-channel analyser, the described sample was examined for X-ray and gamma ray shielding characteristics in the energy range of 0.081-1.332 MeV. The measured shielding values are in good agreement with the theory, however below 356 keV, there is a little variation of up to 10%. The current work offers up new possibilities for using this simple, affordable, effective and low temperature approach to create nanomaterials for X-ray and gamma ray shielding.

Synthesis and characterisation of Zn-doped cerium oxide nanoparticles for electromagnetic radiation shielding.

CeO2-NPs (nanoparticles) exhibit a variety of properties, which have prompted researchers to explore various applications, such as gas sensing, biomedical, Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) shielding, etc. Zn-doped CeO2-NPs with concentrations ranging from 7 to 11 mol were synthesised using Aloe vera extract as a reducing agent by the solution combustion method. As obtained, NPs were characterised by standard techniques. Braggs reflections confirm the formation of a single-phase cubic structure of CeO2Zn NPs. Crystalline size is calculated using both the W-H plot and the Scherrer equation, which were found to be 12 and 9 nm, respectively. The Energy-dispersive X-ray analysis (EDAX) pattern confirmed the presence of Ce, O and Zn. The direct energy band values are found to be decreasing from 3 to 2.87 eV with an increase in the doping concentration of Zn from 7 to 11 mol. Total shielding efficiency (SET) will give the best representation of shielding properties. The SEt values of CeO2Zn NPs are compared to those of other conventional materials and NP materials, finding significant applications in EMI shielding.

Synthesis and characterization of calcium-iron-chromium nanocomposites for electromagnetic radiation shielding application.

Over a century, shielding harmful electromagnetic radiations (EMR) and finding a suitable material, which can replace lead has become the major interest of researchers in this field. Herein, calcium-iron-chromium oxide nanocomposites with the different atomic ratios are synthesized using the solution combustion method. The as-obtained nanoparticles (NPs) are subjected to several structural and surface characteristics such as powder X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, elemental diffraction X-ray analysis, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy and UV-visible spectroscopy analysis were performed to confirm the successful synthesis. Furthermore, the EMR shielding of as-procured NPs is investigated and observed that the obtained NPs show good shielding properties.