Synthesis, structural characterization, and radiation stability of TiO ₂ /TeO ₂ /B ₂ O ₃ ternary glass via sol-gel method

This study reports the successful synthesis and characterization of a novel TiO 2 /TeO 2 /B 2 O 3 ternary glass system prepared via the sol-gel method. Comprehensive analysis using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) confirmed a uniform, predominantly amorphous structure in the as-prepared state. Optical characterization by UV-Vis spectroscopy revealed a significant reduction in the optical band gap compared to pure TiO 2 , effectively shifting the absorption edge into the visible light region. A critical finding of this research is the material’s dose-dependent radiation stability. The ternary glass maintained its amorphous network after exposure to gamma radiation doses of 50 kGy and 75 kGy, demonstrating exceptional structural robustness. A radiation-induced structural evolution from the amorphous phase to the crystalline anatase phase of TiO 2 was only observed at a higher absorbed dose of 100 kGy. This evolution, coupled with a further reduction in the optical band gap to 2.9 eV, highlights the potential of this ternary glass for advanced applications in visible-light photocatalysis and optoelectronics where durability in high-radiation environments is essential.