Reactive Membranes for Rapid Isotopic Analyses of Waterborne Special Nuclear Material
Abstract
Presently, a fast and reliable method to conduct forensics of debris from a nuclear event does not exist for alpha-emitting radionuclides. This project aims to develop the basic science that is needed to fill this technology gap by integrating the development of reactive membranes to isolate and concentrate special nuclear material from the debris with accurate nuclear spectroscopy for direct activity and isotope quantification. The overall objective is to combine novel materials and collection and analysis techniques for waterborne radioactive debris that will markedly decrease analysis times. Supported by preliminary and verifiable time estimations, the aim is to decrease the analysis time for isotopic and activity determination of a sample from a week or more to about an hour. Attaining this objective will require advances in membrane and polymer science for the selective isolation and concentration of special nuclear material, development of quantum dots for generation of a quantifiable signal, and development of a state-of-the-art detection system. A multidisciplinary research team will carry out comprehensive and systematic studies to test the hypothesis that reactive membranes will enable the rapid isolation and concentration of samples from solution and simultaneously will prepare substrates for direct isotopic analyses and, after addition of scintillating quantum dot coatings, quantitative elemental analyses using advanced radiometric spectroscopy and luminosity measurements. The work will provide a deep understanding of the roles of membrane type, degree and method of special nuclear material loading, and quantum dot characteristics and coating thickness on the isotopic and elemental analyses. The analytical methods utilizing the proposed materials will be simple and will allow measurements to be conducted in the field. Thus, the ultimate outcome will be a fast and reliable method to conduct forensics of debris from a nuclear event by integrating new materials with accurate nuclear spectroscopy. The proposed rapid radiometric nuclear forensics tool currently is not available, even for laboratory analyses. In addition to the scientific impacts and providing new knowledge and tools to the nuclear forensics community, this research program will educate and train students, and provide them with the necessary skills to pursue careers in nuclear forensics, environmental radiochemistry, environmental health physics, chemical engineering, and materials science. Graduate and undergraduate students will receive high quality mentoring and research training. This research program will provide a training environment that exposes students to all aspects of materials development and testing, ensuring that students will gain a breadth of knowledge and learn how to communicate knowledge to those in other disciplines. The students will present their work at national meetings to include the DTRA Annual Technical Review and publish in leading peer-reviewed journals. Thus, this research program will contribute to developing a workforce of educated, motivated students, with nuclear detection experience and expertise.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- May 26, 2016
- Source ID
- HDTRA11610016
Entities
People
- Scott Husson
Organizations
- Clemson University
- Defense Threat Reduction Agency