Stability of Gd-loaded liquid scintillator for reactor neutrino detection

Gd-loaded liquid scintillators are promising tools for detection of anti-electron neutrinos, yet their stability remains a concern for neutrino experiments. This study investigated the instability of a Gd-loaded liquid scintillator and found that Gd precipitated and light yield decreased due to oxidation. The precipitation not only reduced transmission but also decreased the Gd concentration. However, when the antioxidant 2,6-di-tert-butyl-4-methylphenol (BHT) was added to the liquid scintillator, we obtained a stable liquid scintillator at room temperature.