Synthesis of thulium-yttria nanoparticles with EPR response

Abstract

Introduction: High dose dosimetry demands a continuous effort towards the development of new materials with the aim to guarantee assurance of activities in which ionizing radiation is used. The present work reports a hydrothermal synthesis based on a relative low temperature and pressure to form thulium-yttria nanoparticles with electron paramagnetic resonance response. Material and method: Thulium-yttria nanoparticles (Tm:Y2O3) prepared with 0.1at.%Tm (atomic percentage, at.%) were synthesized by an eco-friendly hydrothermal process as reported in previous study[1]. The nanoparticles were characterized by Photon Correlation Spectroscopy (PCS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and Electron Paramagnetic Resonance (EPR). Results: According to results, the hydrothermal method provided thulium-yttria nanoparticles with cubic C-type structure, mean particle size (d50) less than 90nm (Fig.1), and EPR response. The EPR spectra of powders exhibited two resonance peaks p1 and p2 recorded at 350 and 160mT, respectively (Fig.2). Conclusions: The enhancement of the EPR response of yttria by the use of thulium as a dopant provide meaningful parameters to advance in the formation of new rare earth based materials for radiation dosimetry.