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Stability of Solid Uranyl Peroxides under Irradiation.
Melissa Fairley1, Nicholas M Myers1, Jennifer E S Szymanowski2
1Radiation Laboratory , University of Notre Dame , Notre Dame , Indiana 46556 , United States.
Radiation effects on uranyl peroxide compounds were studied. Studtite and U60 showed significant changes under alpha irradiation, forming amorphous uranyl peroxide, while others were more stable.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Radiochemistry
- Nuclear Chemistry
Background:
- Uranyl peroxide compounds are crucial in nuclear fuel cycles and waste management.
- Understanding their radiation stability is vital for safe handling and storage.
- Previous studies have focused on specific compounds, but a comparative analysis under different radiation types is needed.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of gamma (γ) rays and alpha (α)-particle irradiation on various uranyl peroxide compounds.
- To determine the relative stability of studtite, U60, U60Ox30, and U24Pp12 under irradiation.
- To characterize the structural and chemical changes induced by radiation.
Main Methods:
- Irradiation of uranyl peroxide powders using γ-rays and 5 MeV He ions (simulating α-particles).
- Characterization of irradiated samples using powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), Raman spectroscopy, infrared spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and UV-vis spectroscopy.
- Analysis of changes in uranyl bonds and formation of amorphous phases.
Main Results:
- Gamma irradiation caused weakening of uranyl bonds in U60, while studtite, U60Ox30, and U24Pp12 exhibited relative stability.
- Alpha irradiation significantly affected studtite and U60, leading to the formation of amorphous uranyl peroxide.
- U60Ox30 and U24Pp12 showed minor signs of amorphous uranyl peroxide formation under alpha irradiation.
Conclusions:
- Uranyl peroxide compounds display varying degrees of radiation stability.
- Studtite and U60 are particularly susceptible to α-particle damage, transforming into amorphous uranyl peroxide.
- U60Ox30 and U24Pp12 demonstrate enhanced stability against α-particle irradiation compared to studtite and U60.
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