Effect of NaF flux on microstructure and thermoluminescence properties of Sm3+ doped CdSiO3 nanophosphor

This work reports the preparation of CdSiO3:Sm3+ (1-7 mol%) nanophosphors by a low temperature solution combustion method. For the first time the effect of NaF flux on the crystallization behavior, morphology, and thermoluminescence property of 5 mol% Sm3+ doped CdSiO3 has been investigated. The nanopowders are well characterized by powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), Fourier Transform Infra-Red (FT-IR), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). PXRD results indicate that the powder calcined at 800 degrees C for 2 h has monoclinic phase. SEM results show that the powder is highly porous and the pore size and shape can be modified by the addition of NaF flux. Addition of NaF could lead to formation of particle type morphology and the increase in wt% of NaF changes crystallinity and phase. The thermoluminescence glow curves for 2-6 wt% NaF in CdSiO3:Sm3+ show a single, well resolved glow peak at 126,130 and 150 degrees C, respectively. But for the sample prepared with 8 wt% of NaF flux shows two glow peaks at 148 and 220 degrees C. With the addition of NaF flux, TL intensity can be effectively enhanced. (c) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.