Samarium doped boron nitride nanotubes

Boron nitide nanotubes doped in situ with samarium (Sm-doped BNNTs) were synthesized at 1150 degrees C under atmosphere of NH3/N-2 gas mixture by thermal chemical vapor deposition (TCVD) using samarium oxide that is a product of the process separation of thorium and uranium tailings. The samarium in the BNNTs sample was activated by neutron capture, in a nuclear reactor, producing Sm-152 radioisotopes. The STEM-EELS spectrum and neutron activation show energies attributed to the samarium confirming the in situ doping process during BNNTs growth. The results demonstrate that this material has great potential as a nanosized beta(-) emission source for medical therapy.