Aloe vera-mediated green synthesis of bismuth-zinc-iron nanocomposite for radiation shielding applications

Abstract

In this study, bismuth zinc iron (BiZnFe) nanocomposites (NCs) were synthesized for the first time using a solution combustion approach and Aloe vera extract as a reducing agent. The morphology was determined for the NCs using scanning electron microscopy. X-ray diffraction and Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy were applied to analyze the physical and chemical structures of the new NCs, and synthesis of the NCs was validated. Ultraviolet light absorption was observed in the wavelength region of 200–300 nm,and the direct energy bandgap was determined as 3.06eV.The capacity of the BiZnFe NCs to shield against various types of radiation was assessed, i.e. X-rays/gamma rays, bremsstrahlung, and neutrons.In the lower energy range, the gamma shielding efficiency was equivalent to lead but lower than that of lead in the higher energy range. The bremsstrahlung exposure constant for BiZnFe NCs was comparable to those for concrete and steel, but less than that for lead. Compared with lead, the BiZnFe NCs exhibited strong radiation absorption and minimal secondary radiation emission, which are their main strengths. Furthermore, the BiZnFe NCs have been demonstrated to have much greater neutron shielding capabilities than lead, steel, and concrete in terms of scattering length, absorption, and scattering cross-sections.