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Structural and isotopic peculiarities of a Сhernobyl fuel "hot" particle
Tatiana Poliakova1, Irina Vlasova1, Andrey Shiryaev2
1Lomonosov Moscow State University, Chemistry Department, Moscow, 119991, Russia.
Abstract:
A fuel "hot" particle released during the accident at Chernobyl NPP in 1986 was collected in 2021 in a peat-bog soil 14.5 km to the north from the source. The particle was dissected by a focused ion beam, enabling observation of internal features. Scanning Electron microscopy reveals distinct morphological differences between external and internal pores, highlighting the influence of environmental conditions on surface degradation. X-ray absorption spectrum indicates that the particle maintains U(IV) oxidation state. TOF-SIMS investigation allowed precise determination of U isotopic ratio; calculated burn-up value is 15.2 MWd/kg(U). The measured U and Pu isotopic ratio are well correlated with the available literature data for Chernobyl-related samples and for RBMK fuel in general. The examined particle largely retained its structural integrity and U(IV) oxidation state after 35 years of environmental exposure, demonstrating considerable resistance against degradation.
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