Durmus, HasanGüler, ÖmerIlik, E.Kavaz, E.Birdogan, SelcukTekin, H.O.Kilic, G.2026-04-252026-04-252026-071879-08950969-806Xhttps://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14365/9054https://doi.org/10.1016/j.radphyschem.2026.113831This study investigates the structural evolution and radiation shielding performance of lithium borotellurite glasses reinforced with nano-sized HfO2. We report on the competitive dynamics between the depolymerizing nature of the Li + network modifier and the high field strength Hf4+nano-dopant, a relationship not previously explored in this matrix. Structural analysis via XRD and TEM reveals that the glass remains fully amorphous with homogeneously dispersed Hf rich nanodomains up to 4 mol%. A critical solubility threshold is identified at 6 mol %, where the precipitation of HfO2 and HfTe3O8 crystalline phases marks a distinct transition from an amorphous state to a glass-ceramic microstructure. Physical property measurements indicate that Hf4+ ions primarily occupy interstitial free volumes, leading to enhanced material density without significant network dilation. The incorporation of nano-HfO2 significantly augments gamma-ray attenuation efficiency, particularly in the low-energy region, by substantially increasing the effective atomic number and reducing the half value layer. Furthermore, the glasses exhibit robust fast-neutron shielding capabilities, outperforming conventional materials such as graphite and B4C. These findings establish nano-HfO2 as a potent structural and radiative modifier, providing a novel roadmap for designing high-density, multifunctional glass-ceramic shields for advanced nuclear applications.eninfo:eu-repo/semantics/closedAccessGamma-Ray AttenuationGlass-Ceramic TransitionNano-HfO2 DopingFast-Neutron ShieldingLithium Boro-Tellurite GlassArticle10.1016/j.radphyschem.2026.1138312-s2.0-105033235753