Influence of solvents on morphology and γ-ray protective properties of Bi₂WO₆

Bismuth tungstate (Bi2WO6) shielding material was prepared by a simple solvothermal method without any surfactants and the effects of pyridine, mannitol, polyethylene glycol, ethylene glycol on it were systematically researched. The crystalline phase, compositions, morphology, surface area and band gap energy of the Bi2WO6 were characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy and high resolution transmission electron microscopy absorption spectra. It was found that the solvent had a significant influence on the morphology, photoluminescence properties and radiation shielding properties of the samples. The solvent pyridine enhanced the crystallinity, photoluminescence intensity and -ray shielding properties. PS/Bi2WO6 of irregular nanosphere exhibited -ray shielding rate of 54.17% at a mixed 155Eu and 22Na point source of 105.310 keV, which was much higher than that of conventional shielding materials like PbWO4.