Evolution of the Radiation Shielding, Optical, and Luminescence Properties of PbO2-SiO2 Glass Systems and the Influence of Rare Earth Elements (Eu, Ce, Yb)

This study explores the physical, radiation shielding, optical, and photoluminescent properties of PbO2-SiO2-based glass systems. Traditional radiation shielding materials, like lead and concrete, face challenges due to toxicity and weight. Glass materials provide an alternative, offering transparency and efficiency. Four glass systems were analyzed: PbO2-SiO2 (PS), PbO2-SiO2-CeO2 (PSC), PbO2-SiO2-Eu2O3 (PSE), and PbO2-SiO2-Yb2O3 (PSY). The results show that rare earth elements densify the glass network, thereby enhancing radiation attenuation properties, quantified through parameters like the linear attenuation coefficient (μ), the half-value layer (HVL), and the mean free path (MFP). The PSY system exhibited the best shielding properties, demonstrating its potential for use in gamma ray shielding. Samples PS0–PS3 revealed semiconducting behavior and may be considered a promising host matrix for solar cells and w-LED applications.