Co nanoparticle effects on the thermoluminescent signal induced by UV and gamma radiation in ZrO2 powders

Abstract Zirconia powders, both pure and doped with Co nanoparticles were prepared by the sol–gel method followed by thermal treatment at 1000 °C. The morphological and crystallographic characteristics were studied by scanning and transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction and the Rietveld refinements method. Analysis of the thermoluminescent (TL) signal induced by UV and gamma radiation was also conducted. According to the results, Co nanoparticles have a strong influence on the growth of ZrO 2 particles and favor the formation of monoclinic zirconia. Moreover, an important influence of the added Co nanoparticles was observed on the position of the TL peaks of ZrO 2 , inducing a shift in the luminescence towards higher temperatures as well as the presence of more TL peaks at higher temperatures.