Investigation of structural and radiation shielding properties of in doped ZnO thin films produced by layered manufacturing techniques
Applied Physics A: Materials Science and Processing, cilt.131, sa.9, 2025 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)
- Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
- Cilt numarası: 131 Sayı: 9
- Basım Tarihi: 2025
- Doi Numarası: 10.1007/s00339-025-08873-5
- Dergi Adı: Applied Physics A: Materials Science and Processing
- Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, Academic Search Premier, Aerospace Database, Chemical Abstracts Core, Chimica, Communication Abstracts, Compendex, INSPEC, Metadex
- Anahtar Kelimeler: Indium doping, Radiation shielding, Spray pyrolysis, Thin films, Zinc oxide
- Karadeniz Teknik Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet
Özet
Radiation shielding is a crucial area of research due to the widespread use of radiation in medical, industrial, military, and scientific fields. Traditionally, lead has been the primary shielding material; however, its toxicity has led to restrictions on its use. As a promising alternative, zinc oxide (ZnO), a non-toxic, cost-effective, and abundant semiconductor with a wide bandgap, has been explored for radiation shielding applications. In this study, In-doped ZnO thin films and InO@ZnO layered thin films were synthesized using the spray pyrolysis technique. The structural, optical, and radiation shielding properties of these films were analysed through X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and UV-Vis spectroscopy. The Linear Attenuation Coefficient (LAC), which indicates the radiation shielding performance, was obtained from measurements performed with 122 keV and 136 keV gammas emitted from a 1 mCi Co-57 source and with a NAI(Tl) detector. The obtained results from these measurements show that increasing in content increases the Linear Attenuation Coefficient (LAC) and thus improves the shielding efficiency. Also, The MAC, HVL, TVL and MFP results obtained using the LAC results also show that the composite In-doped ZnO thin films exhibit effective radiation shielding performance. Additionally, In-doped ZnO films exhibited superior shielding properties compared to layered In2O3@ZnO films. These findings suggest that In-doped ZnO and In2O3@ZnO thin films could serve as viable, environmentally friendly alternatives for radiation shielding applications.