Thermoluminescence dose response and kinetic parameters of Gd-doped ZnO nanoparticles

Abstract

This study investigates the thermoluminescence (TL) properties of undoped and gadolinium (Gd)-doped zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles synthesized via sol-gel method. The crystal structure of both synthesized nanoparticles was determined as hexagonal from x-ray diffraction pattern. The TL curve of undoped ZnO nanoparticles reveals two distinct peaks at 400.5 and 479.2 K, each associated with trap centers featuring activation energies of 0.84 and 1.05 eV. TL curve of the Gd:ZnO introduced three peaks associated with trap centers at 1.10, 1.18, and 1.25 eV. Notably, the absence of the 0.84 eV trap center in Gd-doped ZnO implies a modification in the defect structure. Considering the effect of Gd-doping on the band structure and potential minor errors in the analysis results, it was stated that the traps at 1.05 and 1.10 eV levels belonged to the same defect center. Dose-dependent investigations for undoped and Gd-doped ZnO nanoparticles reveal linear behaviors in the TL response, highlighting their potential for dosimetric applications. Photoluminescence spectra of both compounds exhibited emission peaks around 455 and 577 nm, which were associated with native defect centers.