A century of radiochemistry: Its growth and development as a unique scientific discipline

Abstract

In recognition of the 1997 anniversary of the first century of radiochemistry, a review is made of its unique contribution to the emergence of nuclear science, its development from the use of very basic chemical techniques initially to a battery of more sophisticated procedures, and its changing role as it has become widely applied in many fields of science. Synergistically, these fields have been able to develop with the aid of radiochemistry while at the same time, radiochemical methods developed to meet the demands of such applications. Among these, during the second half of the century, has been radiochemistry applied to quantitative chemical analysis: RAA or, nuclear analytical chemistry, and typical examples of its use in the authors' laboratory are described, including some recent INAA results on development of novel 'activable' tracer coding for forensic use with specialized and high security materials. The specific contributions, during the century, of Japanese pioneers in radiochemistry are also cited.

Bromine and chlorine determination in cigarette tobacco using microwave-induced combustion and inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry

“…However, neutron activation requires a neutron flux source that limits its applicability for most of laboratories. 11 Total reflection X-ray fluorescence has been used to the determination of halogens in tobacco. However, this technique is prone to interferences related to matrix composition that can affect the accuracy.…”

27 Radiochemistry

“…It has been shown that recoil tritium, whether made by 3 He(n, p) 3 H or 6 Li(n, a) 3 H, reacts in graphite 247 to produce [ 3 H]methane, whilst ``hot'' 11 C or 14 C atoms (or ions) react with carbon in the form of fullerenes, 248 to produce not only labelled starting compounds but also other fullerene type molecules too. The reactions of ``hot'' 13 N with fullerenes continue to be studied.…”

“…The IAEA has also introduced a nuclear data service on the WorldWideWeb, 4 whilst bibliographies on recent work in radiochemistry can be found by following the publications of Bujdoso. 5 The ``centenary'' of radiochemistry continues to be celebrated, in a paper 6 presented at the Asia-Paci¢c Radiochemistry Symposium and also at a Polish conference 7 ``on the occasion of the centenary of the discovery of radium and polonium''.…”