Muslima, et al (2024) Thermoluminescence characterization of biocharBiochar is a carbon-rich material created from biomass decomposition in low-oxygen conditions. It has important applications in environmental remediation, soil improvement, agriculture, carbon sequestration, energy storage, and sustainable materials, promoting efficiency and reducing waste in various contexts while addressing climate change challenges. More material for dosimetric applications. Nuclear Engineering and Technology. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.net.2024.103348

Biochar, a carbon-rich material derived from biowaste, is being investigated as a potential low-cost, eco-friendly solution for radiation dosimetry. Thermoluminescence dosimeters (TLDs) are widely used to measure radiation exposure, particularly in medical and industrial contexts. This study evaluates biochar’s suitability as a passive radiation dosimeter, focusing on its thermoluminescence (TL) properties.

Using coconut shell biochar produced through pyrolysisPyrolysis is a thermochemical process that converts waste biomass into bio-char, bio-oil, and pyro-gas. It offers significant advantages in waste valorization, turning low-value materials into economically valuable resources. Its versatility allows for tailored products based on operational conditions, presenting itself as a cost-effective and efficient More, the research examined TL properties such as dose-response, sensitivity, repeatability, and signal stability. Biochar demonstrated a linear dose-response to gamma radiation within a 2–200 Gy range, with repeatability showing less than 3% variation over multiple cycles. These properties are crucial for reliable dosimetry. Furthermore, the material’s effective atomic number (Zeff = 7.05) closely matches human tissue, making it highly relevant for medical applications.

Key findings revealed that biochar retains 81-83% of its radiation signal after 28 days, highlighting its stability in both light and dark conditions. Structural analyses using Raman spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction (XRD) confirmed radiation-induced changes in its microstructure, supporting its use as a sensitive and reliable dosimeter.

This research underscores biochar’s promise as a sustainable, cost-effective alternative for radiation dosimetry, with potential applications in both clinical and industrial settings. Future work could refine its properties further, unlocking its full potential as a next-generation dosimetric material.