Pore-Filled Scintillating Membrane as Sensing Matrix for α-Emitting Actinides

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Analytical Chemistry
• Nuclear Science

Background:

• Development of sensitive methods for detecting alpha-emitting radionuclides is crucial for environmental monitoring and nuclear safety.
• Scintillating materials offer a promising approach for alpha particle detection.
• Pore-filled membranes provide a unique platform for immobilizing scintillating agents and enhancing detection capabilities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize pore-filled membranes with scintillating properties for sensing alpha-emitting radionuclides.
• To investigate the performance of these membranes using different host materials and alpha emitters.
• To evaluate the selectivity and analytical applicability of the developed membranes for radionuclide quantification.

Main Methods:

• In situ UV-initiated polymerization of bis[2-(methacryloxy)ethyl] phosphate within poly(propylene) and poly(ethersulfone) host membranes.
• Incorporation of 2,5-diphenyloxazole as a scintillating molecule within the polymer matrix.
• Alpha scintillation measurements using Americium-241 ((241)Am) as a test source.
• Selectivity studies for Plutonium(IV) (Pu(4+)) and Americium(III) (Am(3+)) ions in nitric acid solutions.
• Application of optimized membranes for plutonium quantification in a soil sample.

Main Results:

• Synthesized pore-filled membranes exhibit scintillating properties for alpha detection.
• Poly(ethersulfone)-based membranes demonstrated significantly higher alpha-scintillation efficiency compared to poly(propylene)-based membranes, attributed to the aromatic backbone.
• The scintillation response of poly(ethersulfone) membranes was linear over the studied range of (241)Am activity.
• The membranes showed selectivity for Pu(4+) ions over Am(3+) at higher nitric acid concentrations.
• The developed membranes are stable, reusable, and suitable for quantitative analysis, as demonstrated by Pu quantification in soil.

Conclusions:

• Pore-filled scintillating membranes based on poly(ethersulfone) are effective for sensing alpha-emitting radionuclides.
• These membranes offer enhanced efficiency, selectivity, and reusability for radionuclide detection.
• The developed technology holds potential for sensitive and selective quantification of alpha emitters in environmental samples.