In the quest for advanced materials that can enhance energy sector applications, a team of researchers led by Abeer S. Altowyan from the Department of Physics at Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University has made significant strides. Their recent study, published in the Journal of Science: Advanced Materials and Devices (translated as “Journal of Science: Advanced Materials and Devices”), explores the impact of increasing barium oxide (BaO) content on the properties of multicomponent borate glasses. The findings could have profound implications for radiation shielding and optical applications, particularly in the energy sector.
The research team investigated how varying concentrations of BaO affect the structural, optical, and radiation shielding properties of borate glass samples. “We observed a notable increase in density and molar volume as the BaO content increased,” explains Altowyan. This change is attributed to the disruption of borate units and the creation of non-bridging oxygen atoms (NBOs), as revealed by Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) analysis.
One of the most significant findings is the decrease in the band gap energy (Eg) from 3.028 to 2.882 eV with the addition of BaO. This reduction in band gap energy suggests that the material could be more effective in certain optical applications. Additionally, the dielectric constant and refractive index increased with BaO content, indicating potential improvements in the material’s optical properties.
The study also delved into the radiation shielding capabilities of the glass samples. The BaE4 sample, which had the highest BaO content, exhibited the highest linear attenuation coefficient (LAC) and effective atomic number (Zeff). “The maximum Zeff was found at 0.015 MeV, ranging from 41.54 to 43.85,” notes Altowyan. This high Zeff value indicates that the BaE4 sample is highly effective at attenuating gamma rays, making it a promising candidate for radiation shielding applications in the energy sector.
The research team compared their findings with other glass systems and confirmed the suitability of the BaE4 sample for gamma ray shielding. This could lead to the development of more efficient and cost-effective shielding materials for nuclear power plants and other energy-related facilities.
The implications of this research are far-reaching. As the energy sector continues to evolve, the demand for advanced materials that can withstand harsh conditions and provide effective shielding is on the rise. The findings from this study could pave the way for the development of new materials that meet these demands, ultimately enhancing the safety and efficiency of energy production and transmission.
In the words of Altowyan, “Our research highlights the potential of multicomponent borate glasses with high BaO content for various applications in the energy sector. We hope that our findings will inspire further research and development in this exciting field.”
As the energy sector continues to push the boundaries of innovation, the work of researchers like Abeer S. Altowyan and her team serves as a beacon of progress, illuminating the path towards a more sustainable and efficient energy future.