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Chemical evolution via beta decay: a case study in strontium-90.

N A Marks¹, D J Carter, M Sassi

¹Nanochemistry Research Institute, Curtin University, Perth, WA 6845, Australia. N.Marks@curtin.edu.au

Journal of Physics. Condensed Matter : an Institute of Physics Journal

|January 15, 2013

Summary

Beta decay in solids can alter material chemistry over time, not just through direct defect creation. This research framework impacts nuclear waste storage and materials design.

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Area of Science:

Solid-state physics and chemistry
Nuclear materials science
Radioactive decay

Background:

Understanding the effects of radioactive decay in solid materials is crucial for applications like nuclear waste storage.
Beta decay involves the transformation of a nucleus, releasing energy and particles that can interact with the surrounding solid matrix.
Previous models often focused on direct defect creation, potentially overlooking other significant effects.

Purpose of the Study:

To develop a framework for analyzing the physical and chemical consequences of beta decay within solid materials.
To quantify the roles of momentum-induced recoil, defect creation, and chemical evolution.
To investigate the implications for material stability and design.

Main Methods:

Utilized strontium-90 ((90)Sr) as a representative beta-decaying isotope.
Employed density functional theory (DFT) for chemical evolution analysis.
Incorporated Bader analysis, phonon calculations, and cohesive energy calculations.
Compared recoil energies with threshold displacement energies for defect formation.

Main Results:

Recoil energies from beta decay are often insufficient to create defects like Frenkel pairs.
Chemical evolution over time emerges as a significant consequence of beta decay.
Demonstrated counter-intuitive chemical behavior in strontium titanate (SrTiO(3)) and strontium hydride (SrH(2)) due to beta decay.
Electronic excitation effects were noted as material-dependent and difficult to quantify.

Conclusions:

Beta decay's impact on solids extends beyond direct defect creation, with chemical evolution being a key factor.
The findings necessitate a re-evaluation of models for radioactive material behavior.
This research provides critical insights for the safe storage of nuclear waste and the design of novel materials exposed to radiation.