Exploring barium-bismuth oxide nanocomposites for radiation shielding.

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Green Chemistry

Background:

• Traditional radiation shielding materials like lead pose environmental and health risks.
• There is a growing need for effective, eco-friendly alternatives in radiation shielding for various applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and characterize a novel BaO₂Bi₂O₃ nanocomposite using a green synthesis approach.
• To evaluate the radiation shielding performance of the synthesized nanocomposite.
• To compare its shielding capabilities against conventional materials like lead and concrete.

Main Methods:

• Green synthesis of BaO₂Bi₂O₃ nanocomposites utilizing *Euphorbia tirucalli* latex as a reducing agent.
• Characterization using Powder X-ray Diffraction (PXRD) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM).
• Optical properties analyzed via UV-Vis spectroscopy.
• Radiation shielding performance evaluated by measuring linear attenuation coefficient, radiation protection efficiency, and effective atomic number.

Main Results:

• The synthesized nanocomposite exhibited distinct crystalline phases and agglomerated nanoparticles under 500 nm.
• A wide optical bandgap of 3.075 eV was determined.
• The material demonstrated a high linear attenuation coefficient (1.81 cm^-1 at 0.345 MeV) and radiation protection efficiency (99.18% at 0.511 MeV).
• Superior bremsstrahlung and neutron shielding capabilities were observed compared to lead and concrete.

Conclusions:

• The green synthesized BaO₂Bi₂O₃ nanocomposite is a promising lead-free, eco-friendly material for radiation shielding.
• Its excellent shielding performance makes it suitable for medical, nuclear, and industrial applications.
• This study highlights the potential of plant-derived materials in developing advanced functional composites.