EPR spectroscopic characterization of neutron-irradiated nanocrystalline anatase particles
Physica B: Condensed Matter, vol.699, 2025 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)
- Publication Type: Article / Article
- Volume: 699
- Publication Date: 2025
- Doi Number: 10.1016/j.physb.2024.416786
- Journal Name: Physica B: Condensed Matter
- Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, Chemical Abstracts Core, Compendex, INSPEC
- Keywords: EPR studies, Nanocrystalline anatase, Neutron irradiation
- Open Archive Collection: Article
- Azerbaijan State University of Economics (UNEC) Affiliated: No
Abstract
This study investigates the effects of neutron irradiation on nanocrystalline anatase (TiO₂) using electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy. Neutron irradiation doses of 1.6 × 101⁵, 8 × 101⁵, 4 × 101⁶, and 2 × 101⁷ n/cm2 were applied to TiO₂ samples, and changes in the EPR spectra were analyzed to explore the transmutation of titanium (Ti) atoms into vanadium (V). The results reveal that the irradiation induces the conversion of 50Ti to 51V via neutron capture, accompanied by the formation of oxygen and titanium vacancies. The intensity of the EPR signal decreases with increasing neutron dose, indicating that the formation of 51V isotopes and other irradiation-induced effects influence the material's paramagnetic behavior. The study provides insights into the transmutation process and highlights the potential of neutron irradiation for modifying the properties of TiO₂, with implications for photocatalytic applications and radiation-resistant materials.