**2. Gamma radiation-induced structural changes in TiO2 materials**

Significant alterations in the structural characteristics of TiO2 materials can result from exposure to gamma radiation. The crystalline composition may undergo changes such as transitioning from the anatase stage to the rutile phase or the emergence of faults in the crystal lattice. For instance, a study noted that a dose of 10 kGy (1 Mra) of gamma irradiation could raise the anatase to rutile transformation temperature

*DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.111718 Effects of Gamma Radiation on the Structural, Optical, and Photocatalytic Properties of TiO2…*

from T1 = 773 K to T2 = 873 K, indicating that the thermal stability of the TiO2 phase can be influenced by gamma radiation [9]. Furthermore, the ability of TiO2 nanoparticles to perform optimally in procedures such as gas sensing and photocatalysis can be impacted by exposure to gamma radiation because it lowers the surface area and porosity of the particles. By way of example, another study found that the specific surface area of TiO2 nanoparticles declined from 233.2 to 107.9 m<sup>2</sup> /g subsequent to being exposed to 300 kGy of gamma radiation [10]. The reduction in surface area was determined to be due to the particles agglomerating and their porous structure collapsing.

Significant impacts on the properties and performance of TiO2 materials can result from structural changes induced by gamma radiation. The material's optoelectronics and photocatalytic characteristics may be altered due to changes occurring in both its crystal structure and morphology [11]. In addition to its effects on other properties, such as morphology and gamma radiation-induced structural changes in titanium dioxide (TiO2), nanomaterials can reduce both surface area and porosity. Such alterations could potentially hinder optimal functioning for gas sensing or photocatalytic applications [10].

The investigation of gamma radiation effects on TiO2 materials can involve various techniques such as X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and positron annihilation spectroscopy [12]. A high anisotropy in stretched thermal and electrical conductivity of TiO2 nanostructures was demonstrated by one study through DFT calculations [9]. Various studies have investigated the effects of gamma radiation on organic matter composed of one or more constituents and determined that the radiation caused significant alterations to their electronic and structural properties [13].

It is important to comprehend the alterations in the structures of TiO2 nanomaterials and thin films caused by gamma radiation, as it can enhance their properties for numerous applications, such as photocatalysis, gas sensing, and electronics. For instance, research indicates that gamma radiation ameliorates the photocatalytic performance of TiO2 nanoparticles in eliminating pollutants [14]. Furthermore, a separate examination employing ceramography notes the influence of gamma radiation on the electronic properties of TiO2 thick film, displaying that the method has potential in electronic device production [15].

It can be concluded that TiO2 material properties and performance can be greatly impacted by structural changes induced by gamma radiation. Therefore, it is crucial to utilize multiple techniques to study the impact of gamma radiation on TiO2 materials in order to gain a better understanding of the underlying mechanism and enhance their effectiveness for diverse applications.
