Expanding the nuclear forensic toolkit: chemical profiling of uranium ore concentrate particles by synchrotron X-ray microanalysis

Abstract

Synchrotron microanalysis was used to provide novel advanced characterisation of uranium ore concentrate particles in application to nuclear forensic science.

Multi-scale investigation of uranium attenuation by arsenic at an abandoned uranium mine, South Terras

“…At SLS, µ-XAS data were collected according to the methodology detailed by Crean et al 25,26 The monochromatic beam energy was identical to NSLS. Fluorescence µ-XANES spectra of uranium standards (UTi 2 O 6 , UO 2 , U 0.5 Y 0.5 Ti 2 O 6 , U 3 O 8 , UO 3 and CaUO 4 ) were measured to aid interpretation.…”

Nuclear forensic signatures and structural analysis of uranyl oxalate, its products of thermal decomposition and Fe impurity dopant

“…It was confirmed by XANES that uranyl oxalate contains uranium in the U(VI) oxidation state, with E 0 situated at 17,184 ± 0.2 eV [14]. Samples that were heated to 400 and 800 °C exhibited a lower energy E 0 than the samples heated to lower temperatures.…”

“…To expand the nuclear forensic toolkit as applied to these materials, X-ray absorption near-edge spectroscopy (XANES) analysis was also considered. Previously, in consideration of the provenance of uranium ore concentrates, this has been shown as a useful tool for the characterisation of uranium oxidation state and coordination environment [14]. In the context of nuclear forensics, this is a significant in the fingerprinting of materials based on their physiochemical properties.…”

Recent Advances in Nuclear Forensic Chemistry

“…1−10 Most of the techniques used for sample analysis were adapted from pre-existing fields, and new developments in the chemical sciences have contributed heavily to the expansion of nuclear forensic capabilities. 1,2,5,11,12 This Review focuses on the central role of chemistry in the development of modern nuclear forensic science and also seeks to predict future capabilities based on recent advances published in the chemical literature. Particular emphasis is placed on the burgeoning developments within actinide nanoscience and microanalytical techniques.…”

“…Although nuclear forensics is a highly applied field, it is built firmly upon a foundation of fundamental science. Inorganic, analytical, and nuclear chemistry, as well as physics and engineering, have all contributed substantially to the formation of the field, and the improvement of nuclear forensic analysis is inextricably tied to the development of new chemical processes and technologies. − Most of the techniques used for sample analysis were adapted from pre-existing fields, and new developments in the chemical sciences have contributed heavily to the expansion of nuclear forensic capabilities. ,,,, This Review focuses on the central role of chemistry in the development of modern nuclear forensic science and also seeks to predict future capabilities based on recent advances published in the chemical literature. Particular emphasis is placed on the burgeoning developments within actinide nanoscience and microanalytical techniques.…”