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Optimization of Uranium-Doped Americium Oxide Synthesis for Space Application
Jean-François Vigier1, Daniel Freis1, Philipp Pöml1
1European Commission, Joint Research Centre (JRC), P.O. Box 2340, 76125 Karlsruhe , Germany.
Inorganic Chemistry
|March 24, 2018
Summary
Americium-241 oxide was stabilized with uranium doping for radioisotope heating unit production. This uranium-doped americium oxide shows improved material properties and safety for deep space missions.
Area of Science:
- Nuclear Engineering
- Materials Science
- Space Exploration
Background:
- Plutonium-238 is currently used as an energy source for deep space missions.
- Americium-241 is a potential alternative energy source for space missions.
- Development of stable americium-based materials is crucial for radioisotope thermoelectric generator and radioisotope heating unit production.
Purpose of the Study:
- To stabilize a cubic americium oxide phase for potential use in radioisotope power systems.
- To investigate the effects of uranium doping on americium oxide properties.
- To develop a suitable americium material for radioisotope heating unit fabrication.
Main Methods:
- Optimization of americium oxide material preparation with uranium doping.
- Synthesis of a mixed americium-uranium-neptunium-plutonium oxide pellet.
- Evaluation of material properties under sintering and alpha self-irradiation conditions.
Main Results:
- Successfully synthesized a uranium-doped americium oxide pellet ((Am0.80U0.12Np0.06Pu0.02)O1.8) containing 2.13 g of Americium-241.
- Observed improved material properties and safety compared to pure americium oxide.
- Demonstrated good behavior under sintering and alpha self-irradiation.
- Confirmed the mixed oxide's ability to host neptunium and enhance safety against radioactive material dispersion.
Conclusions:
- Uranium doping effectively stabilizes the cubic americium oxide phase.
- The developed material offers enhanced properties and safety for radioisotope heating unit applications.
- This advancement supports the use of Americium-241 as a viable energy source for future space missions.
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