Effect of CeO2 and Er2O3 co-doping on the structural and radiation shielding properties of ceramics: An experimental and theoretical evaluation

Creative Commons License

Oto B., Kavaz Perişanoğlu E., Çakar N., Erzen Yıldız H., Tunç H.

RADIATION PHYSICS AND CHEMISTRY, cilt.240, sa.113469, ss.1-13, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)

  • Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
  • Cilt numarası: 240 Sayı: 113469
  • Basım Tarihi: 2026
  • Dergi Adı: RADIATION PHYSICS AND CHEMISTRY
  • Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Scopus, Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Chemical Abstracts Core, Chimica, Compendex, EMBASE, INSPEC
  • Sayfa Sayıları: ss.1-13
  • Açık Arşiv Koleksiyonu: AVESİS Açık Erişim Koleksiyonu
  • Van Yüzüncü Yıl Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet

Özet

This study investigates the effects of co-doping CeO2 (cerium oxide) and Er2O3 (erbium oxide) on Al2Si2O5(OH)4–KAlSi3O8–SiO2 ceramics, fabricated via conventional firing and sintering, for photon and neutron shielding applications. Experimental measurements were performed using a133Ba source for gamma-ray shielding and a241Am/Be neutron source for neutron shielding. At 81 keV gamma-ray energy, the radiation attenuation properties of C (undoped) and Ce15Er15 (co-doped, containing 15 % CeO2 and 15 % Er2O3) ceramics showed an increase in the mass attenuation coefficient from 0.186 to 1.309 cm2/g and in the linear attenuation coefficient from 0.421 to 3.667 cm1, while the mean free path (mfp) decreased from 2.280 to 0.281 cm, indicating a clear compositional dependence. Theoretical calculations were carried out using the EpiXS program. Among the produced ceramics, the Ce25Er5 sample exhibited the highest neutron absorption rate, reaching 69.39 %. This work presents an innovative approach for co-doping CeO2 and Er2O3 for radiation shielding in ceramics; compared to single oxide doping, this double doping is seen to further enhance both gamma-ray and neutron shielding properties. These results demonstrate that CeO2- and Er2O3-doped ceramics are sustainable, cost-effective, and efficient alternatives for radiation protection in nuclear facilities, medical imaging, and space technologies.