Photo- & radio-chromic iron-doped tungstic acids fabricated via submerged photosynthesis

Chmmism-based detection by materials composed of both organic and inorganic materials has been exploited in various ways in sensors and smart windows because the optical properties of such materials can be reversibly changed. High-energy radiation beams may induce chromism via both ionizing and non-ionizing effects, but inherently chromic materials that can detect various types of radiation beams are not well understood. To be useful for high-energy radiation detection, a material must be safe; stable under radiation, exhibiting little radiation damage and radioactivation; and useable in various material forms. In the present study, we show that iron-doped tungstic acids of Fe-WO3 center dot nH(2)O (n = 0.33, 1, 2), which is for the first time fabricated by submerged photosynthesis with hydrogen peroxide, can be used as a chromic solution to detect various radiation beams as well as ultraviolet non-ionizing radiation. The coupling redox reactions between Fe and W ions in Fe-WO3 center dot nH(2)O have been proposed as the chromic mechanism. The prepared chromic solution exists as an aqueous liquid containing nanoparticles but can be easily gelatinized or sheeted and used in various forms as a detection material. Thus, our chromic solution of iron-doped tungstic acids is suitable for comprehensive radiation detection.

Automated summary

This study demonstrates that iron-doped tungstic acids can be used as a chromic solution for detecting various radiation beams, including non-ionizing ultraviolet radiation.