Size controlled CaFnanocubes and their dosimetric properties using photoluminescence technique

Abstract

A new synthetic chemical coprecipitation route for the preparation of well-crystallized size controlled nano- and microcrystalline cubes of CaFis reported. Crystalline cubes in the range of 2 m-20 nm could be synthesized and their sizes were controlled by varying the solvent: cosolvent ratio. The as-synthesized CaFnanocubes were characterized by different techniques. Photoluminescence (PL) emission spectrum of CaFnanocrystalline powder showed strong emission band at 415 nm. Moreover, the effect of Eu as a dopant on the emission spectrum of CaFwas investigated. This dopant was found to get incorporated in its Eu2+ and Eu3+ forms. The as-produced nanocubes were exposed to UV irradiation and the corresponding PL emission was studied. Excellent results are obtained, where CaFEu nanocubes were found to be highly sensitive and might be suitable for esteeming the doses of UV irradiation using the PL technique.