Comparative analysis of structural, radiation shielding, and optical properties in ZIF-8 and BDC-Cu (MOFs) for...

In this study, we conducted a comprehensive analysis of the structural properties of ZIF-8 and BDC-Cu using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and Thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA). By studying the structural characteristics of these MOFs, we aim to understand how their unique properties influence their effectiveness as radiation shielding materials. The FTIR analysis confirmed the existence of metal-ligand and OH bonds that influence interactions with electromagnetic radiation and potentially contribute to shielding properties. The average crystallinity values for BDC-Cu and ZIF-8 are 57.2 % and 43.2 %, respectively. Overall, the TGA results indicate that BDC-Cu has lower thermal stability compared to ZIF-8, as evidenced by the higher mass losses observed at both low and high-temperature ranges. Additionally, these MOFs' optical transmission, energy gap, and refractive index have been investigated. By combining experimental techniques with computational simulations, The G_LAC/LAC_Pb values at 1.333 MeV were found to be 15 % for ZIF-8 and 17 % for BDC-Cu, indicating that BDC-Cu exhibits superior attenuation characteristics. Furthermore, BDC-Cu displayed the lowest geometric half-value layer (GHVL) values across all tested energies, corroborating its enhanced density and effectiveness as a radiation shielding material compared to ZIF-8. This research provides valuable information for developing advanced materials for radiation protection applications such as radiation therapy rooms, nuclear medicine facilities, research facilities handling radioactive materials, and equipment to protect against cosmic radiation.