Thermoluminescence investigation of sol–gel derived and γ-irradiated SnO2:Eu3+ nanoparticles

Nanocrystalline tin oxide (IV) doped with Eu3+ has been synthesized by sol–gel technique. The prepared SnO2:Eu3+ nanoparticles were calcined and characterized by XRD, SEM, TEM and FTIR. The XRD analysis revealed well crystallised tetragonal rutile phase. Electron microscopy showed spherical morphologies with an average size of 15–20nm. The thermoluminescence (TL) properties of SnO2:Eu3+ nanoparticles were investigated after γ-irradiation using 60Co source at room temperature. The TL glow curve showed variation in TL peak intensity as the concentration of dopant is changed. It has been found that TL response of linear in the range 0.5–2.0kGy. This paper discusses about the optimal doping concentration of Europium in SnO2 nanoparticles and its dosimetric application has also been studied. •Thermoluminescence (TL) properties of SnO2:Eu3+ nanoparticles were investigated after γ-irradiation.•TL glow curve showed variation in TL peak intensity as the concentration of dopant is changed.•Optimal TL intensity was obtained for SnO2:Eu0.5.•TL response was found to be linear in the range 0.5–2.0 kGy.