Dosimetric Performance of Poly(vinyl alcohol)/Silver Nanoparticles Hybrid Nanomaterials for Colorimetric Sensing of Gamma Radiation

Abstract

A colorimetric liquid sensor based on a poly(vinyl alcohol)/silver nanoparticle (PVA/AgNPs) hybrid nanomaterial was developed for gamma radiation in the range of 0–100 Gy. In this study, gamma rays (Cobalt-60 source) triggered the aggregation of AgNPs in a PVA/silver nitrate (AgNO3) hybrid solution. The color of this solution visibly changed from colorless to dark yellow. Absorption spectra of the PVA/AgNPs solution were analyzed by UV-Vis spectrophotometry in the range of 350–800 nm. Important parameters, such as pH and AgNO3 concentration were optimized. The accuracy, sensitivity, stability, and uncertainty of the sensor were investigated and compared to the reference standard dosimeter. Based on the spectrophotometric results, an excellent positive linear correlation (r = 0.998) between the absorption intensity and received dose was found. For the accuracy, the intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC) between the PVA/AgNPs sensor and the standard Fricke dosimeter was 0.998 (95%CI). The sensitivity of this sensor was 2.06 times higher than the standard dosimeter. The limit of detection of the liquid dosimeter was 13.4 Gy. Moreover, the overall uncertainty of this sensor was estimated at 4.962%, in the acceptable range for routine standard dosimeters (<6%). Based on its dosimetric performance, this new PVA/AgNPs sensor has potential for application as an alternative gamma sensor for routine dose monitoring in the range of 13.4–100 Gy.