Browsing by Subject "Triton X-100"

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In-situ pre-concentration of reactor-produced radionuclides onto a carbon nanotube adsorbent via the Szilard-Chalmers effect
(2023-12) Samia, Adam James; Charlton, William S.; Landsberger, Sheldon; Hull, Kami; Haas, Derek
Radionuclides (namely ¹⁷⁷Lu and ¹⁸⁶Re) in an aqueous solution can be preconcentrated onto highly dispersed carbon nanotubes via the Szilard-Chalmers reaction. This adsorption onto the carbon structure leads to the easier physical separation of the CNT-radionuclide complex from the aqueous target solution. This work is intended to be used in tandem with existing radiopharmaceutical production procedures to (1) enhance the specific activity attainable and (2) lower the production costs associated with the current production methods. The analytical tools (a) neutron activation analysis and (b) scanning electron microscopy were utilized for quantitative and qualitative examination, respectively. Neutron activation analysis was employed to quantitatively determine the percent extraction of nuclides onto the carbon structure, while the images produced from the scanning electron microscope allowed the morphological structure of the surfactant-CNT complex to be analyzed. This application of the Szilard-Chalmers reaction has yielded significant insights and advancements; however, it is imperative to acknowledge that the distinct enhancement of specific activity has yet to be fully achieved. While the research has showcased promising results in terms of adsorption efficiency, the effective isolation of activated vs. non-activated nuclides remains a formidable challenge. Consequently, this work underscores the need for further research and refinement of the Szilard Chalmers reaction coupled with CNT adsorbents to achieve the envisioned separation objectives.