Synthesis and evaluation of thermal neutron attenuation properties of lithium orthosilicate for its application as a beam shaping material on BNCT facilities

Abstract

Thermal neutron attenuation capacity of Li4SiO4 was evaluated to assess its potential capabilities as a beam shaping material for boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT) facilities. Samples of Li4SiO4 were prepared by two different synthesis methods, using different raw materials and were characterized using x-ray, electron diffraction and transmission electron microscopy. Neutron measurements were performed at the BNCT and the neutron radiography facilities of Centro Atómico Bariloche. Considering its natural isotopic abundance, Li4SiO4 proved to be remarkably effective in comparison with other neutron-absorbing materials. Given the availability of natural Lithium in local salt mines and the scalable feasibility, Li4SiO4 qualifies as a potential material for BNCT beam shaping applications.