Tailoring lattices of Bi2WO6 crystals via Ce doping to improve the shielding properties against low-energy gamma rays
In this study, lattices of Bi2WO6 crystals were tuned by cerium doping in a hydrothermal process in order to enhance the shielding properties against low-energy gamma rays. The products obtained were characterized by Raman, X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy techniques. The results demonstrated that cerium ions were successfully introduced into the lattices of the Bi2WO6 crystals and they partially replaced the bismuth ion sites. The shielding results showed that 10 mol% cerium doping allowed the Ce-doped Bi2WO6 crystals to shield against 59.5 keV gamma rays at a 49.41% better level compared with the original crystals. The enhanced shielding against low-energy gamma rays was ascribed to the expanded K-edge absorbing area of bismuth after cerium doping. In this study, we developed a facile synthetic method for obtaining Ce-doped Bi2WO6 materials. Importantly, these crystals could be used as functional fillers in rubber composites to prepare wearable products (such as clothing) with desirable shielding properties and no requirement for lead.Graphical abstract
Source: Journal of Physics and Chemistry of Solids - Category: Physics Source Type: research