Investigation of Radiation Effects in the Uranyl Mineral Metaschoepite

Abstract

The effects of water vapor and He ion irradiation on the alteration of particles of the uranyl hydroxide phase metaschoepite, [(UO2)8O2(OH)12]­(H2O)10, are determined. Raman spectra collected immediately postirradiation revealed the presence of a uranyl oxide phase structurally similar to γ-UO3 or U2O7. Short-term storage postirradiation at elevated relative humidity accelerated formation of the uranyl peroxide phase studtite, [(UO2)­(O2)­(H2O)2]­(H2O)2. Experiments examining the degradation of metaschoepite and the hydration of UO3 enabled spectral assignments and identification of reaction pathways. The results provide insights into thermal and radiolytic degradation products in both irradiated uranyl hydroxide phases and uranyl peroxide phases, which follow similar degradation pathways.