Pb-doped ZrO₂ in radiation protection: absorption and scattering capabilities

The growing need for efficient and environmentally sustainable radiation shielding materials has driven interest in advanced ceramic composites. This review critically examines the development of lead-doped zirconia (Pb-ZrO₂) as a multifunctional shielding material. No new experiments were conducted in this work; all data and results discussed are drawn from previously published experimental and simulated studies. Drawing from recent experimental and simulation-based studies, the review explores how the various synthesis techniques, including sol–gel and hydrothermal routes, influence phase stability, microstructure and defect behaviour under irradiation. The impact of lead incorporation on key shielding parameters such as linear attenuation coefficient (LAC) and half-value layer (HVL) and effective atomic number (Formula presented.) is systematically analysed across a widespread photon energy range. Special attention is given to the immobilization of Pb within the zirconia lattice, addressing long-standing concerns about toxicity leachability. Comparative assessments demonstrate that optimized Pb-ZrO₂ composites can achieve up to 47% of pure lead’s shielding capacity while substantially reducing ecological risk and structural limitations. Beyond summarizing reported performance, the review discusses radiation-induced defect stabilization, scalability challenges and design pathways enabled by machine learning and nanostructured engineering. Pb-ZrO₂ thus emerges as a technically and environmentally balanced alternative to conventional lead and concrete, particularly for use in medical, nuclear and industrial photon-shielding applications, with conditional potential for integration into hybrid space radiation systems.