Eco-friendly synthesis of dysprosium-doped nano-hydroxyapatite using sea-shells: A study in thermoluminescence

The present study investigates the thermoluminescence (TL) properties of dysprosium-doped nano-hydroxyapatite (Dy-HAp), a promising material for radiation dosimetry applications. The material was produced from seashells, a natural source of calcium, using an environmentally friendly process. The structural and morphological characteristics were confirmed by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Thermoluminescence studies showed that luminescence intensity is significantly affected by Dy₂O₃ concentration, with an optimal doping level of 1wt%. The glow curves were deconvolved, revealing multiple trapping centers, each characterized by five distinct peaks. The dose-response analysis showed strong linearity between 0.1 and 10 Gy; beyond this range, it exhibited a sub-linear trend up to 300 Gy, confirming its suitability for dosimetric applications. The findings underscore Dy-HAp as a viable and effective option for radiation monitoring, with the synthesis method offering an additional environmental benefit.