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In this research, we present a novel methodology for the production of Pb(ZrO3)-doped zirconia derived from zircon minerals. Our approach involves the fabrication of two composite samples via a streamlined hydrothermal synthesis process, offering a direct pathway to manufacture. Furthermore, we conducted an extensive analysis of the recently synthesized compounds using advanced techniques such as X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. Additionally, we investigated the average size of crystallites in the prepared samples and examined their correlation with lattice distortions and dislocation density. Additionally, the Monte Carlo simulation code examined the γ-ray shielding properties of the fabricated lead-based zirconate ceramic composites. The evaluation shows an enhancement in the linear attenuation coefficient of the fabricated composites from 0.411 to 0.464 cm−1 (at γ-ray energy of 0.662 MeV), raising the Pb concentration from 6.6 to 13.3 wt%. The enhancement in the linear attenuation coefficient decreases the lead equivalent thickness of the fabricated composites where the thickness of composites equivalent to 1 cm of pure lead is reduced to 2.68 cm by raising the Pb concentration to 13.3 wt%. The shielding evaluation for the fabricated composites showed a high performance against low and intermediate γ-ray photons where the shielding capacity of the fabricated composites reaches 37% and 47% of the pure lead shielding capacity at γ-ray energy of 0.662 MeV and 2.506 MeV, respectively. Therefore, the fabricated composites can be used as an alternative shielding material in hospitals and radioactive zones. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present work, the role of Neodymium (III) nitrate hexahydrate [Nd (NO 3) 2 ] and lanthanum nitrate hexahydrate [La (NO 3) 3 ·6H 2 O] on the structural and radiation shielding properties of zircon mineral was examined. Therefore, a new La/Nb-doped ZrO 2 nanocomposite was fabricated. Various experimental techniques such as energy-dispersive X-ray, scanning electron microscope, transmission electron microscopy, and X-ray diffraction pattern were utilized to discover the structure and chemical composition, as well as the morphology of the fabricated La/Nb-doped ZrO 2 nanocomposites. Additionally, for the estimation of the fabricated composites' γ-ray shielding properties, Monte Carlo simulation was employed. Among low and intermediate γ-photon energy, the study affirmed a good shielding characteristic for the fabricated composites, where the linear attenuation coefficient reduced from 245.64 to 0.21 cm−1 when the γ-photon energy was raised respectively from 0.022 to 2.506 MeV. Compared to pure lead, the fabricated composites showed good shielding properties, where the shielding capacity reached 30–50% of the pure lead element in the 0.244–2.506 MeV intermediate energy interval. • Novel Nd/La-doped zirconia nanocomposite synthesized. • Characterization through XRD, SEM, TEM, and EDX. • Monte Carlo simulation estimated material's attenuation capacity. • Significant shielding enhancement for γ-photon energy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Novel nanocatalysts with oxygen vacancies were synthesized using carbothermal reduction. • Various techniques characterized catalyst structure and morphology. • Oxygen vacancies and doping reduce gaps, improve mobility, and suppress recombination. • The results showed improved degradation of pollutants and high stability for the photocatalysts. Nanostructured photocatalysts based on cobalt and molybdenum-doped TiO 2 composite materials were developed to enhance photocatalytic performance. The creation of defects through partial carbothermal reduction resulted in materials with lower band gaps, improving efficiency. The carbon lattice facilitated electron movement and inhibited electron-hole recombination, while the large surface area of the nanosheets enhanced catalyst effectiveness. The materials were characterized using XRD, FTIR, Raman spectroscopy, FESEM, and UV–Vis spectroscopy. The degradation of arsenazo 3 dye was used to evaluate the catalysts, with all three showing efficient degradation. The TiO 2 -Mo-C catalyst exhibited the highest degradation rate (99.8%). Kinetic data indicated that the photodegradation followed pseudo-first-order and Langmuir-Hinshelwood kinetics. Remarkably, the reaction rate constant (k C = 41.61 mg L-1 min−1) and adsorption equilibrium constant (K LH = 1.26 × 10-3 L mg−1) of the TiO 2 -Mo-C catalyst were significantly superior to other catalysts. These photocatalysts demonstrated excellent stability and reusability over six cycles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]