Determination of an Electron Paramagnetic Resonance Protocol for Characterization of Europium, Thulium Co-Doped Yttria (YET) Nanoparticles

<p>Introduction: Electron Paramagnetic Resonance (EPR), also known as Electron Spin Resonance (ESR) is a powerful, nondestructive, and nonintrusive characterization technique to evaluate unpaired electrons in paramagnetic substances. Unpaired electrons are found in free radicals and transition metals and are the main source of physicalchemistry changes in inorganic and organic substances. Thus, EPR characterization has a wide range of applicability in catalysis, photonics, electrochemistry, biology, medicine, semiconductors, biofuels, and radiation dosimetry. </p> <p> Methods: However, to extract useful data from EPR analysis, a set of measurement parameters have to be adjusted. The present study aims to report how an EPR parametrization such as the number of scans, modulation amplitude and sweep time are effective in the characterization of europium-thulium co-doped yttria (YET) nanoparticles. </p> <p> Results: Based on results, EPR spectra of YET particles with suitable signal/noise ratio and resolution could be achieved using 10 scans, modulation amplitude of 4G, and sweep time of 10.2s. </p> <p> Conclusion: These findings are promising data to advance toward formation of new materials based on rare-earth oxides for radiation dosimetry.</p>