Effect of zinc doping on the radiation shielding properties of calcium ferrite nanoparticles synthesized via green extract approach

Abstract

indent Nanoparticles (NPs) of calcium ferrite doped with Zinc in the range of 10–50 mol % were successfully synthesized using solution combustion method. Neem leaves extract played a crucial role as a reducing agent in the synthesis process, followed by calcination at 500 °C. The comprehensive characterization of these nanoparticles confirmed the formation of orthorhombic calcium ferrite, and distinct Bragg reflections were observed due to Zinc doping. Notably, the nanoparticles displayed irregular shapes and varying sizes, along with the presence of pores and voids within their morphology. The optical energy band gap, determined using Wood and Tauc’s relation, fell within the range of 2.85 to 2.96 eV. Interestingly, as the zinc substitution increased, the energy band gap increased while the crystallite size decreased. The evaluation of radiation protection capacity included an in-depth examination of shielding parameters, encompassing the mass attenuation coefficient and its derivatives like mean free path, half-value layer, and effective atomic number. Additionally, variations in the energy-absorbing buildup factor across different energy regions were thoroughly investigated. The research also explored neutron shielding and bremsstrahlung radiation parameters, taking into account the zinc concentration in calcium ferrite nanoparticles. This aspect is particularly crucial in the field of radiation dosimetry, emphasizing the importance of understanding how these nanoparticles, with varying zinc concentrations, influence radiation absorption and dosimetric outcomes.