Thermoluminescence Behavior of Yttrium-Doped ZnO Nanoparticles Synthesized by Sol–Gel Method

The development of efficient thermoluminescent materials is essential for precise radiation dosimetry. In this study, yttrium-doped ZnO (Y:ZnO) nanoparticles were synthesized and systematically analyzed to explore their structural and thermoluminescence (TL) properties. X-ray diffraction confirmed the preservation of the hexagonal ZnO phase, while transmission electron microscopy revealed well-dispersed nanoparticles. TL measurements exhibited a strong dose-dependent response, with glow curves showing multiple peaks associated with distinct trapping centers. Deconvolution analysis identified three primary trap levels with activation energies of 0.77, 1.12, and 1.29 eV, indicating the presence of deep and shallow traps. The TL intensity followed a linear trend with radiation dose, suggesting the suitability of Y:ZnO nanoparticles for dosimetric applications. Photoluminescence (PL) analysis was conducted to investigate the influence of yttrium doping on the optical properties of ZnO nanoparticles, and it was found that Y doping significantly enhanced defect-related emissions. These findings highlight the potential of Y:ZnO as a promising candidate for advanced radiation sensing technologies.