Photoluminescence, thermoluminescence and photocatalytic studies of sonochemical synthesis of Bi2Zr2O7:Sm3+ nanomaterials.

Novel Bi₂Zr₂O₇:Sm³⁺ (1–9 mol%) nanoparticles (NPs) were synthesized via sonochemical method using Cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) as a surfactant. The effects of primary synthesis conditions (pH, growth time, surfactant and dopant concentration) on the surface morphology have been reported for the first time. Photoluminescence (PL) studies (λex = 465 nm), CIE and CCT values revealed that the present nanophosphor could meet the needs of illumination devices and also for domestic appliances. Thermoluminescence studies show a well-resolved glow peak observed at ~ 182 °C along with a shoulder peak at ~ 116 °C be a good candidate for radiation dosimetric applications. This gamma dosimeter can be applied in the routine TL Dosimetry badge system among the gamma radiation workers involved in nuclear fuel cycle operations. Photocatalytic performance of at 5 mol% was experimented in the decolorization of Methylene Blue (MB) under natural Sunlight irradiation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]