Borate Materials Research Articles

Unraveling Superior Elasticity and Controlled Thermal Expansion in Trigonal MBO3 (M=Al, Ga) with Isolated [BO3] Group: A Theoretical Perspective

AbstractA comprehensive theoretical investigation employing density functional theory explores the electronic structure, temperature‐dependent elasticity, thermodynamic properties, and chemical bonding of trigonal MBO3 (M=Al, Ga) with isolated [BO3] groups. The results uncover MBO3 (M=Al, Ga) as indirect semiconductors with superior mechanical stability, characterized by greater resistance to volume compression over shear deformation. Their elasticity exhibits relatively weak temperature dependence, suggesting excellent thermal stability. Thermodynamic analysis predicts that GaBO3 has a higher thermal expansion coefficient than AlBO3, approximately 2.1×10−5 K−1 and 1.8×10−5 K−1 at 300 K, respectively. Significantly, the overall thermal expansion coefficients of GaBO3 and AlBO3 are lower compared to other borate materials containing isolated [BO3] groups. Chemical bonding insights reveal that GaBO3′s larger thermal expansion is attributed to its larger atomic displacement parameters and weaker Ga−O bond strength. This research positions MBO3 (M=Al, Ga) as prime candidates for optical device applications due to their well‐characterized elasticity and controlled thermal expansion.

Predicting Reactivity and Passivation of Solid-State Battery Interfaces.

In this work, we build a computationally inexpensive, data-driven model that utilizes atomistic structure information to predict the reactivity of interfaces between any candidate solid-state electrolyte material and a Li metal anode. This model is trained on data from ab initio molecular dynamics (AIMD) simulations of the time evolution of the solid electrolyte-Li metal interfaces for 67 different materials. Predicting the reactivity of solid-state interfaces with ab initio techniques remains an elusive challenge in materials discovery and informatics, and previous work on predicting interfacial compatibility of solid-state Li-ion electrolytes and Li metal anodes has focused mainly on thermodynamic convex hull calculations. Our framework involves training machine learning models on AIMD data, thereby capturing information on both kinetics and thermodynamics, and then leveraging these models to predict the reactivity of thousands of new candidates in the span of seconds, avoiding the need for additional weeks-long AIMD simulations. We identify over 300 new chemically stable and over 780 passivating solid electrolytes that are predicted to be thermodynamically unfavored. Our results indicate many potential solid-state electrolyte candidates have been incorrectly labeled unstable via purely thermodynamic approaches using density functional theory (DFT) energetics, and that the pool of promising, Li-stable solid-state electrolyte materials may be much larger than previously thought from screening efforts. To showcase the value of our approach, we highlight two borate materials that were identified by our model and confirmed by further AIMD calculations to likely be highly conductive and chemically stable with Li: LiB13C2 and LiB12PC.

Simulation of the Effect of Dy3+ Dopant on the Mass Energy Absorption Coefficient and Relative Energy Response of TLD Made from Lithium Magnesium Borate Using MCNP

Thermoluminescence dosimeter (TLD) is widely used as a personal and medical dosimeter. Several TLD materials show the characteristics of mass energy absorption coefficient and energy response relative to ICRU (International Commission on Radiation Units and Measurements) issue material as an equivalent material for human body soft tissue. This research aims to analyze the effect of Dy3+ dopant on the mass-energy absorption coefficient and relative energy response of Lithium Magnesium Borate (LMB) materials. The simulation was carried out using Monte Carlo N-Particle (MCNP) software. Calculations based on simulation and theoretical results will be compared statistically using paired t-tests. The study showed that adding a Dy3+ dopant to TLD material made of Lithium Magnesium Borate (LMB) only affected the mass-energy absorption coefficient and relative energy response for low radiation energy. Adding Dy3+ dopant increased the mass energy absorption coefficient and relative energy response in a reasonably small value. Based on these results, LMBDy3+ produces a better mass-energy absorption coefficient value for TLD materials. The results of the statistical tests show a significant difference in the mass energy absorption coefficient value. At the same time, there is no significant difference between the simulation results and theoretical calculations for the relative energy response.

Ternary Nanocomposites of Copper/graphitic‐Phase Carbon Nitride/rare‐Earth Pentaborate for Photocatalytic Applications Under Simulated Sunlight Illumination

AbstractA wide variety of borate materials are emerging as photocatalysts. Usually, the borates possess a large bandgap which limits their absorption of visible light, and the strategy of preparing nanocomposites is an effective way to enhance the absorption of light. X‐ray powder diffraction, infrared spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy were used to show that a three‐component nanocomposites was successfully prepared. For the photo‐degraded reactions of rhodamine B(RhB) and doxycycline hydrochloride(DH), the optimum composition of the ternary composite is a molar ratio of Gd0.9Ce0.1B5O9(GCBO) and g‐C3N4(CN) of 7 : 93, besides the mass of Cu is 2 % of the sum of the above two masses, and the ternary composite is abbreviated as 2Cu/CN@GCBO‐7. The kinetic constant for the photodegradation of RhB of sample 2Cu/CN@GCBO‐7 is 0.0580 min−1, which is 3.6 and 3.8 times that of non‐composite CN and GCBO. The mechanism postulated by free radical quenching experiments suggests that the importance of the three radicals is hole >⋅OH>⋅O2− in the photodegradation reaction. In addition, the kinetic constant for the photodegradation of DH of sample 2Cu/CN@GCBO‐7 is 0.0018 min−1, and the sample 2Cu/CN@GCBO‐7 has a hydrogen evolution rate of 11.8 μmol/h/g.

Structural, optical, and the effect of beta source (90Sr/90y) radiation on the thermoluminescence properties of the transition metal activated on lithium aluminum borate phosphor (Li3Al3(BO3)4:Mn)

The activation of Lithium aluminum borate material with varying concentrations of transition metal of manganese was studied. The synthesis of the phosphor samples was achieved by employing the solid-state sintering technique. The study aimed to determine the structural property, optical property, and the effect of beta source (90Sr/90y) radiation on the thermoluminescence properties of the phosphor material. The analyzed structure of both doped and undoped samples was obtained to be from 52.17 to 67.13 nm as the crystallite size and 67.00–120.00 nm as the particle size respectively. The optical studies showed an increase in mole concentration of the doped samples resulted in an increase in absorbance and a decrease in the energy band gap from 4.45 to 4.00 eV. The thermoluminescence report measured showed that the Mn-doped sample on lithium aluminum borate has the most prominent peak at 78 °C (major peak) and 294 °C (minor peak) when exposed to radiation dose (90Sr/90y beta source) of 50 Gy. The acquired activation energy was resolved using some of the models which include the initial rise, deconvolution, and the heat rate techniques. The dose response was determined to be linear from the Mn-doped lithium aluminum borate.

KNa2Lu(BO3)2: A Rare-Earth Borate Crystal Characterized by an Enhanced Birefringence and Wide Ultraviolet Transparency Range.

Borate materials are of significant interest due to their versatile structural configuration and competitive ultraviolet (UV) transparency range. In this study, we present a novel rare-earth borate crystal, KNa2Lu(BO3)2, synthesized for the first time through a facile spontaneous crystallization method. It adopts the centrosymmetric space group Pnma (no. 62) and yields a unique three-dimensional (3D) structural network formed by isolated [BO3] plane triangles and distorted [LuO7] polyhedra. This compound displays excellent thermal stability up to ∼990 °C, demonstrating a favorable congruent melting nature. Moreover, KNa2Lu(BO3)2 achieves a notably short UV absorption cutoff at approximately 204 nm, yielding a large band gap of 5.58 eV. Remarkably, it showcases an enlarged birefringence of 0.044 at 1064 nm, implying its potential as a birefringent material. Moreover, density functional theory calculations demonstrate that the optical characteristics are predominantly influenced by fundamental building blocks [BO3] triangles and distorted [LuO7] polyhedra. Our findings demonstrate the potential of KNa2Lu(BO3)2 in the development of a birefringent candidate and enrich the structural chemistry of rare-earth-based borates.

Dual precipitating reagents-assisted deep blue-emitting borate and near-white oxide-based luminescent materials.

We explored dual precipitating reagents-assisted Ce-based deep blue-emitting borate and near-white oxide-based luminescent materials. The first precipitating reagent (aqueous sodium borohydride) was used until gelation. The second precipitating reagent (ammonia solution) was employed to prepare as-synthesized powders. XRD analysis, FTIR spectroscopy, and Raman spectroscopy of calcined powders ranging from 1000 °C to 1400 °C confirmed the development of a primary borate phase (i.e., nearly polyhedral-shaped YBO3) with secondary phases of (Y,Al)BO3 and oxide. However, the preliminary oxide phase (i.e., elongated/rod-like YAG) and secondary phases of YBO3, Al2O3, and CeO2 were developed at 1500 °C with different holding times. The emission behavior and CIE coordinates confirmed that the borate (i.e., YBO3-based) sample was deep blue. However, the oxide (i.e., YAG-based) sample showed tunable color emissions from light blue to near white with increased holding time. The average lifetime of prepared samples varied between 788 ns and 891 ns, which indicated a long decay time. The quantum yield of the sample calcined at 1400-1500 °C varied between ∼61% and ∼77%. Based on the emission behavior, CIE diagram, CCT, powder color, average lifetime, and quantum yield, the developed deep blue-emitting borate and light blue/near white oxide-based luminescent materials could be used in lighting industries.

Tailored Synthesis of Two Metal Borates KSrM3B2O9 (M = Al and Ga) Exhibiting Wide Ultraviolet Transparency.

Borate materials continue to command considerable attention due to their remarkable capacity for applications in deep ultraviolet (UV) wavelengths. Herein, two new metal borates KSrM3B2O9 (M = Al and Ga) were extracted via the application of flux techniques. These two crystals adopt a centrosymmetric space group P21/c (no. 14), showcasing a layered structural configuration composed of isolated [BO3] plane triangles and [AlO4]/[GaO4] tetrahedra. Thermal analysis revealed that KSrM3B2O9 (M = Al and Ga) exhibits an incongruent nature and possesses good thermal stability up to 1083 and 983 °C, respectively. Notably, these compounds display a short UV-transmission cutoff edge, approximately around 194 and 200 nm, accompanied by band gaps of 5.47 and 4.83 eV, respectively. Furthermore, KSrM3B2O9 (M = Al and Ga) demonstrates a moderate optical birefringence of 0.026 and 0.025, respectively. Additionally, first-principles calculations were employed to shed light on the intricate interplay between the structure and properties of these compounds.

Synthesis, thermal, spectroscopic and dielectric studies of the new borates Ba2M1-xNix(BO3)2 M = Mg, Cd

The aim of this work is to examine the addition of nickel in borate materials with chemical formula Ba2M1-xNix(BO3)2, M = Mg; Cd. The samples have been successfully prepared by solid state reaction at 850 °C. The borates Ba2Cd1-xNix(BO3)2 crystallize in the monoclinic cell with space group C2/m and the others system Ba2Mg1-xNix(BO3)2 exhibits the rhombohedra structure (trigonal system) with space group R-3 m. The infrared spectroscopy confirms the existence of trigonal coordination for the boron ions in the studied systems. The investigation by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) highlights several thermal phenomena in the borates studied. The dielectric measurement as function of frequency shows the relaxation behavior in the studied materials. The phenomena observed by differential scanning calorimetry are confirmed and interpreted by means of the dielectric study at high temperatures.

Strong alternating piezoelectric field enhanced the piezocatalytic degradation of carbamazepine by a 3-chromophore material Cd4BiO(BO3)3 coupled ultrasound in water

How to efficiently treat a type of new emerging organic pollutant, carbamazepine (CBZ), with the features of environmental persistence, toxicity, and bioaccumulation, is now posing a challenge to scientists. Piezocatalysis, through the harvesting of mechanical energy, has a high capacity to degrade organic pollutants and is gaining increasing attention. Herein, a novel piezo material Cd4BiO(BO3)3 (CBB) with a 3-chromophore asymmetric structure showing an excellent CBZ degradation activity has been synthesized. The removal efficiency can reach 96.2% in 60 min, which is 4.13 times that of tetragonal phase BaTiO3 (BTO) under the same conditions. The superior catalytic performance can be attributed to the easily polarized 3-chromophore asymmetric structure units of CBB, d10 Cd2+ ion, stereochemically active lone pair of Bi3+, and π-delocalization of BO3, which can generate a very strong internal alternating piezoelectric field under the action of ultrasonic vibration. Driven by this internal electric field force, the excited free charges can be easily separated and transferred to the surface of the material to take part in the redox reactions. Besides, CBB also exhibits high stability and excellent removal efficiency for rhodamine B (Rh B) and tetracycline (TC). Hydroxylation and aldehyde oxidation are the main processes of CBZ degradation. The eco-toxicity of CBZ and its intermediates was evaluated using T.E.S.T. software. This study shows that the easily strongly polarized borate material has a potential application in the piezocatalytic degradation of organic pollutants.

Data Mining and Graph Network Deep Learning for Band Gap Prediction in Crystalline Borate Materials

Crystalline borates are an important class of functional materials with wide applications in photocatalysis and laser technologies. Obtaining their band gap values in a timely and precise manner is a great challenge in material design due to the issues of computational accuracy and cost of first-principles methods. Although machine learning (ML) techniques have shown great successes in predicting the versatile properties of materials, their practicality is often limited by the data set quality. Here, by using a combination of natural language processing searches and domain knowledge, we built an experimental database of inorganic borates, including their chemical compositions, band gaps, and crystal structures. We performed graph network deep learning to predict the band gaps of borates with accuracy, and the results agreed favorably with experimental measurements from the visible-light to the deep-ultraviolet (DUV) region. For a realistic screening problem, our ML model could correctly identify most of the investigated DUV borates. Furthermore, the extrapolative ability of the model was validated against our newly synthesized borate crystal Ag3B6O10NO3, supplemented by the discussion of an ML-based material design for structural analogues. The applications and interpretability of the ML model were also evaluated extensively. Finally, we implemented a web-based application, which could be utilized conveniently in material engineering for the desired band gap. The philosophy behind this study is to use cost-effective data mining techniques to build high-quality ML models, which can provide useful clues for further material design.

Amorphous Heterostructure Derived from Divalent Manganese Borate for Ultrastable and Ultrafast Aqueous Zinc Ion Storage.

Aqueous zinc-manganese (Zn-Mn) batteries have promising potential in large-scale energy storage applications since they are highly safe, environment-friendly, and low-cost. However, the practicality of Mn-based materials is plagued by their structural collapse and uncertain energy storage mechanism upon cycling. Herein, this work designs an amorphous manganese borate (a-MnBOx ) material via disordered coordination to alleviate the above issues and improve the electrochemical performance of Zn-Mn batteries. The unique physicochemical characteristic of a-MnBOx enables the inner a-MnBOx to serve as a robust framework in the initial energy storage process. Additionally, the amorphous manganese dioxide, amorphous Znx MnO(OH)2 , and Zn4 SO4 (OH)6 ·4H2 O active components form on the surface of a-MnBOx during the charge/discharge process. The detailed in situ/ex situ characterization demonstrates that the heterostructure of the inner a-MnBOx and surface multicomponent phases endows two energy storage modes (Zn2+ /H+ intercalation/deintercalation process and reversible conversion mechanism between the Znx MnO(OH)2 and Zn4 SO4 (OH)6 ·4H2 O) phases). Therefore, the obtained Zn//a-MnBOx battery exhibits a high specific capacity of 360.4 mAh g-1 , a high energy density of 484.2Wh kg-1 , and impressive cycling stability (97.0% capacity retention after 10000 cycles). This finding on a-MnBOx with a dual-energy storage mechanism provides new opportunities for developing high-performance aqueous Zn-Mn batteries.

Effect of Mg on the Structural, Optical and Thermoluminescence Properties of Li3Al3(BO3)4: Shift in Main Glow Peak

The doping of magnesium on lithium aluminium borate phosphor is reported in this study. A solid-state sintering technique was employed as the borate samples were synthesized. This report focuses on the structural, optical, thermoluminescence, and kinetic analyses of the main glow peak. The structural properties of lithium aluminium borates improved due to the magnesium dopants used. Differences in the crystallite size and particle size were 38.85-67.35 nm and 50-60 nm, respectively, and these results were obtained from the analyzed X-ray diffractogram and scanning electron spectroscopy. The energy band gaps obtained from the direct transition of borate phosphor materials were within the range of 3.00-4.40 eV, and the doped samples gave a higher energy band gap. A decrease in the TGA (%) exhibited a weight loss or water loss for the undoped, 0.1% Mg, and 0.3% Mg-doped lithium aluminium borate materials. The glow curve measured at a heat rate of 1 °C·s-1 after irradiation to 50 Gy revealed four peaks related to the magnesium doped lithium aluminium borate. The main glow peak was observed at 86 °C. Activation energy was extracted from the main glow peak by using kinetic analysis which involves the initial rise, deconvolution, and variable heating rate approach, and it was approximately 0.67 ± 0.03 eV. A shift in the main glow peak curve from 86 to 110 °C was recognized for the magnesium-doped lithium aluminium borate when it was irradiated from 1 to 300 Gy.

Lithium-Ion Conduction in a Class of Aluminoborates LinMAlB12O24 (M = Ba, Sr, Ca, or La; n = 7 or 6)

With diverse structures and high ambient stability, Li-containing borate materials are promising candidates as Li solid-state conductors. Here, we report a group of aluminoborate compounds, LinMAlB12O24 (n = 6 for M = La; n = 7 for M = Ba, Sr, Ca), which were synthesized by a conventional solid-state method. Their crystal structures feature a common three-dimensional framework consisting of B6O14 clusters and AlO6 octahedra and the Li ions are positioned around the chained B6O14 clusters. The Li content n can be modified, i.e. either 6 or 7, depending on the chosen metal species M to keep the overall charge balance. The Li-ion conduction properties of the series were studied by bond valence site energy calculation and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. We observed much higher ionic conductivity and a lower migration barrier in Li7BaAlB12O24 than in Li6LaAlB12O24, suggesting that the Li-ion site configuration plays an important role in determining ion transport.

Tunable ultrafast near-infrared nonlinear optical properties of Eu3+ and silver nanoparticles doped alkali borate glasses

Achieving strong optical nonlinearities in vitreous nanocomposites is imperative for the advancement of futuristic telecommunication and photonic technologies. In this regard the borate materials (vitreous) are deemed to be important and currently available commercial hosts. In the current work, we demonstrate the tuning of the third-order nonlinear optical (NLO) attributes of borate-based glass samples doped with metal nanoparticles (NPs) and rare earth ions through annealing process. The NLO attributes, such as nonlinear optical absorption and refraction have been analysed by the sensitive Z-scan approach in the open and closed aperture configurations, respectively. The NLO features were examined in the near-infrared spectral region using ultrafast laser pulses fired at a high repetition rate from a Ti: sapphire laser oscillator. The open aperture data unveiled the existence of two-photon absorption whilst closed aperture indicated the occurrence of self-focusing nonlinear refraction. The NLO coefficients improved with heat treatment duration but the nonlinear absorption coefficient reduced at longer heat treatment schedules. The enhancement in the NLO coefficients is ascribed to the local field enriched by metallic silver NPs in the proximity of the rare earth ions when high-energy laser pulses irradiate the hosts. The results suggest the glasses routed with rare earth ions and metallic silver NPs annealed for 40 hrs at 450 °C are beneficial for optical communication and nonlinear photonic device applications, including optical limiting functionalities.

Thermoelectric performance of Ni, Co, and Fe nanoparticles incorporated into their metal borates glassy matrices

AbstractHere, we present our current attempt to intrinsically dope Ni0, Co0, and Fe0 nanoparticles within NiII‐, CoII‐, and FeII‐borate glassy matrices, respectively. The system was prepared by one‐pot reaction of the desired MTII salt with excess NaBH4 through an in‐situ reduction and hydrolysis processes to afford metallic MT0 nanoparticles dispersed into the MT‐BO3 matrix. The composition and structural characteristics of these MT0:MT‐BO3 materials were identified by thermal oxidation, ATR‐IR, X‐ray powder diffraction, and magnetic techniques as glassy/amorphous borate matrices containing magnetic nanoparticles. The electrical conductivity (σ) of cold‐pressed discs of these metal‐doped composites shows that they behave as nonohmic semiconductors within the temperature range of 303 ≤ T ≤ 373 K suggesting a mixed electronic‐ionic conduction. However, their thermal conductivity (κ) occurs through phonon lattice vibration dynamics rather than electronic. The σ/κ ratio shows a steep non‐linear increase from 9.4 to 270 KV−2 in Ni0:Ni‐BO3. In contrast, a moderate‐weak increase is observed for Co0:Co‐BO3 and Fe0:Fe‐BO3 analogs. The obtained materials are examined for thermoelectric (TE) applications by determining their Seebeck coefficient (S) power factor (PF), figure of merit (ZT), and conversion efficiency (η%). All the TE data shows that Ni0:Ni‐BO3 (S, 80 μVK−1; PF, 97.7 mWm−1 K−1; ZT 0.54; η, 2.15%) is a better TE semiconductor than the other two MT0:MT‐BO3. This finding shows that Ni0:Ni‐BO3 is a promising candidate to exploit low‐temperature waste heat from body heat, sunshine, and small domestic devices for small‐scale TE applications.

Photoluminescence and thermoluminescence in Dy3+ -, Ce3+ -, and Tb3+ -activated MgB4 O7 phosphor for dosimetry application.

Samples of microcrystalline rare earth-doped magnesium borate materials were synthesized via modified solid-state diffusion and were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) techniques. Photoluminescence (PL) results for the MgB4 O7 :Dy sample depicts blue emission that resulted from a 4 F9/2 -6 H15/2 transition that peaked at 484 nm, which was much stronger than the yellow emission arising due to the 4 F9/2 -6 H13/2 transition at 576 nm. From the emission spectra for MgB4 O7 :Tb, it seems that at higher concentrations of Tb3+ ion, the green emission becomes strong and directly relates to the energy transfer from the 5 D3 excited state to the 5 D4 excited state through a cross-relaxation, whereas the blue emission is suppressed in MgB4 O7 phosphors. The thermoluminescence (TL) of the samples was measured immediately after irradiation and compared by TL curve with CaSO4 :Dy. MgB4 O7 :Dy showed very good TL sensitivity for the desirable dosimetric curve at ~218°C and the best glow curve structure. In comparison with the dosimetric peaks for MgB4 O7 :Ce and MgB4 O7 :Tb, the MgB4 O7 :Dy phosphor is equally sensitive to CaSO4 :Dy. MgB4 O7 :Dy and MgB4 O7 :Tb showed linearity for a 1-5kGy dose. The activation energies and frequency factors were also calculated for samples MgB4 O7 :RE (where RE = Dy, Tb, Ce) using the peak shape method.

Amorphous nickel borate nanosheets as cathode material with high capacity and better cycling performance for zinc ion battery

Zinc-ion batteries are under current research focus because of their uniqueness in low cost and high safety. However, the pursuing of high-performance cathode materials of aqueous Zinc ion batteries (AZBs) with low cost, high energy density and long cycle life has become the key problem to be solved. Herein we synthesized a series of amorphous nickel borate (AM-NiBO) nanosheets by varying corrosion time with in-situ electrochemical corrosion method. The AM-NiBO-T13 as electrode material possesses a high areal capacity of 0.65 mAh/cm2 with the capacity retention of 95.1% after 2000 cycles. In addition, the assembled AM-NiBO-T13//Zn provides high energy density (0.77 mWh/cm2 at 1.76 mW/cm2). The high areal capacity and better cycling performance can be owing to the amorphous nanosheets structure and the stable coordination characteristics of boron and oxygen in borate materials. It shows that amorphous nickel borate nanosheets have great prospects in the field of energy storage.

The manganese oxyborate Mn3(BO3)2 as a high-performance anode for lithium-ion batteries

Borate has aroused great interest as anode materials for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) due to its high specific capacity and abundant supply of raw materials. To further increase its energy density in LIBs, it is urgent to synthesize a new type of relatively low potential borate material. In this study, Mn3(BO3)2 with a relatively suitable discharge voltage plateau (~0.9 V vs. Li/Li+) was successfully prepared. The synthesized Mn3(BO3)2 has high charge specific capacity (544.4 mAh g−1 at 0.4 A g−1), excellent cycle stability (538.1 mAh g−1 after 400 cycles at 0.4 A g−1) and high rate performance (191.5 mAh g−1 at 3.2 A g−1). The lithium storage behavior of Mn3(BO3)2 was studied by ex-situ XRD and ex-situ XPS.

Agile fusion method for the determination of Pu isotopes in diverse sediments

Atmospheric nuclear testing has occurred worldwide resulting in trace amounts of plutonium (Pu) isotopes in soils and sediments across the globe. Soils and sediments can vary greatly in both physical and chemical properties within close geographic regions presenting a major challenge for sample preparation in the analysis of fallout radionuclides. It is vital to have a rapid, agile method for the complete digestion of samples containing refractory Pu particles to address this challenge. A radioanalytical procedure for the analysis of Pu isotopes in soils/sediments has been developed improving sample preparation using fusion. This is done by eliminating the need for pre-dissolution combustion to remove organic material and providing greater application to a diverse range of samples including those of metal-bearing mineralogy. The integration of borate and peroxide flux materials creates a sample dissolution procedure that is greater than the sum of its parts. This method is applicable to the analysis of 239/240Pu in soil/sediment samples with a sample mass of 3 g, ranging from 0.05 to 5000 mBq/g achieving 242Pu tracer recoveries between 50 and 94%, with a trace-level detection limit of 0.04 mBq/g and measurement uncertainties down to 19%; adjustable to measurement priorities with variation in count time, background counts, chemical recovery and total activity of the sample. This sample preparation technique can be utilized with complementary analysis of alpha spectrometry or ICP-MS. Achieving these parameters provides a highly adaptable standard method for 239/240Pu in soil/sediment analysis applicable to samples from radioecological research at trace environmental levels to emergency response scenarios with 48-h turn-around producing highly repeatable, succinct and high-quality analysis.