PNIPAM microgel coatings of LiF crystal radiation detectors

Year: 2024

Authors: Nigro V., Colantonio C., Piccinini M., Buratti E., Ciciotti R., Cisbani E., De Angelis C., Dinelli F., Esposito G., Limosani F., Nichelatti E., Ronsivalle C., Vincenti M.A., Ruzicka B., Montereali R.M.

Autors Affiliation: ENEA CR Frascati, Nucl Dept, Via Enr Fermi 45, I-00044 Rome, Italy; Sapienza Univ, Inst Complex Syst, Natl Res Council ISC CNR, Ple Aldo Moro 2, I-00185 Rome, Italy; Univ Ferrara, Dept Chem Pharmaceut & Agr Sci, Via Luigi Borsari 46, I-14412 Ferrara, Italy; Univ Roma Tor Vergata, Dept Phys, Via Ric Scientif 1, I-00133 Rome, Italy; Ist Super Sanita, Viale Regina Elena 299, I-00161 Rome, Italy; Natl Inst Opt INO CNR, Via Moruzzi 1, I-56124 Pisa, Italy; ENEA CR Casaccia, Nucl Dept, Via Anguillarese 301, I-00123 Rome, Italy; Sapienza Univ, Dept Phys, Ple Aldo Moro 2, I-00185 Rome, Italy.

Abstract: Thin films of poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM) microgels have recently attracted significant attention as promising candidates for creating switchable interfaces in biomedical and biotechnological applications. In this study, microgel films are proposed as smart coatings for photoluminescent solid-state radiation detectors based on lithium fluoride (LiF). Understanding the impact of the solid substrate is crucial for customising and refining microgel coatings for specific applications. To investigate the effects of surface quality, microgel size, and particle concentration on the properties of microgel films, PNIPAM microgels were spin-coated onto LiF crystal surfaces and characterised through wettability measurements, UV-Vis-NIR spectrophotometry, and Atomic Force Microscopy. This approach enabled effective control over the optical and morphological properties of the films, paving the way for the development of hybrid and potentially biocompatible radiation detectors using PNIPAM microgel films.

Journal/Review: COLLOIDS AND SURFACES A-PHYSICOCHEMICAL AND ENGINEERING ASPECTS

Volume: 702      Pages from: 135105-1  to: 135105-9

More Information: We acknowledge financial support from Regione Lazio, L.R. 13/2008, BIOTRACK Project (Fluorescent Nuclear Track Detectors for Radiobiology) N.Prot. A0375-2020-36509.
KeyWords: Thin films; Microgels; PNIPAM; Fluorescent nuclear track detectors
DOI: 10.1016/j.colsurfa.2024.135105