Radiation Resistant, Chromatographic Mesoporous Carbon Nanomaterials for Post-Detonation Forensics Analyses
Abstract
Following a detonation of nuclear device, rare earth elements and fission products are recovered from explosion debris to assess forensic fingerprint. These fingerprints can assist in determining design, source and elemental composition of the explosive material. Immediate, on-site decryption of these signatures has always presented a challenging task to a forensics team due to the rigorous separations chemistry required to remove interfering signals that potentially mask identifying characteristics. The materials currently utilized to support such separations must also endure harsh environments, where the energy of radioactive decay is constantly deposited into matter and extreme conditions may be needed for clean separations. The damaging influence of highly reactive components, and subsequent radiolytic degradation, are some of major challenges when developing robust materials for these separations capable of field deployability. High surface area, porous, and thermal and pH stable materials developed in this research will allow for the recovery of certain signatures that could provide more specific information about a given nuclear detonation. Novel separation materials based on ordered mesoporous carbon (OMC) nanomaterials offer significant advantages relative to conventional ion-exchange technology based on organic polymer frameworks. The OMC structural architecture protects the metal ion sequestering agents from the damaging effects of radiation. These radiation resistant features are accompanied by improvement in analyte uptake properties. The origins of the enhanced capability of these nanomaterials have yet to be explored. Such lack of understanding stresses the need for fundamental studies of OMC structural and metal coordination characteristics. The proposed research will assemble this fundamental knowledge and ultimately build a recipe for the construction of next generation OMC materials for post-detonation nuclear forensics.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Jun 29, 2016
- Source ID
- HDTRA11610015
Entities
People
- Brian G Trewyn
Organizations
- Colorado School of Mines
- Defense Threat Reduction Agency