Dosimetric investigation of a new quantum dots/nanocomposite (CdTe QDs/PVK) sensor for real-time gamma radiation detection

The design of organic/inorganic polymer nanoparticles-based hybrids is promising for gamma ray sensor systems. Here, we design semiconducting nanocomposite system for efficient gamma ray harvesting system where cadmium telluride (CdTe) quantum dots act as dopant and poly(N-vinyl carbazole) (PVK) polymer acts as host. Highly crystalline 1-dodecanethiol (1-DDT) decorated CdTe quantum dots with average diameter of ~ 3 nm were synthesized and characterized with high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM) analysis. Nearly monodispersed CdTe/PVK nanocomposite was subsequently prepared by addition of CdTe quantum dots (QDs) in poly(N-vinyl carbazole) matrix. The photophysical interactions between polymer host and QDs have been investigated by preparing an ohmic contact detector using a conductive cell with two gold-coated walls. Gamma detecting properties of the CdTe QDs/PVK nanocomposite such as sensitivity, repeatability, and the linearity of dose rate response were assessed. Significant enhancement in photoconductivity induced by the gamma radiation in CdTe QDs/PVK nanocomposite has been demonstrated.