Effect of gamma rays irradiation in the structure, optical, and electrical properties of samarium doped bismuth titanate ceramics

Ceramics have enormous potential in several emerging technologies, including nuclear reactors. Materials with chemical inertness, high-temperature operation, and physical properties stability under applied radiation with high energy are all desired in this field of technology. Given these broad specifications, bismuth titanate ceramics may prove to be a valuable material. Regarding this task, the effect of gamma rays on the structural, optical, and ferroelectric properties of samarium-modified bismuth titanate ceramics was investigated. The Bi3.15Sm0.85Ti3O12 (BSmT) compound was irradiated for 0, 50, 100, and 200 kGy using a Co-60 gamma source at a dose rate of 10 kGy h(-1). The phase structure confirmed the orthorhombic, single-phase nature even after gamma irradiation. The results show that the unit cell volume decreases from 966.39 to 962.38 angstrom(3) with an increase in gamma dose from 0 to 200 kGy. The X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy study shows an irradiation-induced defect in the host matrix. The results show that the bandgap energy, dielectric constant, Curie temperatures, and remnant polarization slightly decreased with an increase in gamma irradiation. According to the findings of this study, the BSmT exhibits adequate stability against gamma irradiation, which offers tremendous promise in their utilization in nuclear reactor technology.