The effect of copper on the structural and thermoluminescence properties of aluminium borate

The thermoluminescence of aluminium borate doped to different concentrations of copper is reported. Samples of Al2(B4O7)3:Cu were prepared by high-temperature solid-state sintering. Scanning electron microscopy showed a difference in the grain size for the copper doped and undoped aluminium borate with particulates of the undoped sample in the size 60–80 nm whereas those of the undoped sample were in the range 40–50 nm. Studies using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy showed that copper doping of aluminium borate reduces transmittance and results in more absorbance in the various spectral regions. Thermoluminescence from all samples measured at 1oCs−1 following irradiation to 150 Gy shows a prominent peak near 98 °C with a secondary, weaker-intensity peak at 168 °C.Both peaks are subject to non-first-order kinetics and the dose response is affected by doping. [Display omitted] •Aluminium borate was prepared by solid state sintering technique.•Cu-doped and undoped samples show thermoluminescence.•The dose response was studied from 20 Gy to 150 Gy for the doped sample.•Copper, as a dopant enhanced the thermoluminescence of aluminium borate.•The transmittance and absorbance are affected by doping.