Samarium doped boron nitride nanotubes.

Boron nitride nanotubes doped in situ with samarium (Sm-doped BNNTs) were synthesized at 1150°C under atmosphere of NH3/N2 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 152Sm 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 β- emission source for medical therapy.