Journal Article

FZJ-2021-01195

http://join2-wiki.gsi.de/foswiki/pub/Main/Artwork/join2_logo100x88.png Chemical and structural investigations on uranium oxide-based microparticles as reference materials for analytical measurements

Kegler, P.FZJ* ; Pointurier, F. ; Rothe, J. ; Dardenne, K. ; Vitova, T. ; Beck, A. ; Hammerich, S. ; Potts, S.FZJ* ; Faure, A.-L. ; Klinkenberg, M.FZJ* ; Kreft, F.FZJ* ; Niemeyer, I.FZJ* ; Bosbach, D.FZJ* ; Neumeier, S. (Corresponding author)FZJ*

2021
Cambridge University Press Cambridge

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Please use a persistent id in citations: http://hdl.handle.net/2128/29206  doi:10.1557/s43580-021-00024-1

Abstract: The analysis of individual micrometre- and submicrometre-sized particles collected by IAEA’s safeguards inspectors on swipe samples during in-field verification activities requires the implementation of a sustainable quality control system such as suitable microparticulate reference materials. To this end, pure and neodymium-doped uranium oxide-based microparticles utilising an aerosol-based particle production process were prepared. SEM/EDX measurements confirmed the monodispersity of the produced microspheres as well as the incorporation of 15 mol% Nd into the compound particles. The timeline of structural investigations mirror the ongoing alteration of particles being stored under laboratory atmosphere. While results from in-SEM Raman (CEA, DAM) on microparticles after two years storage time point to the formation of U3O8 and a minor fraction of schoepite phase (hydrated UO3), in U L3-edge XAFS after four months storage time and U M4-edge HR-XANES after ten months storage time spectra (INE-Beamline and ACT station @ KIT synchrotron radiation source) mainly U(IV) and U(V), respectively, was observed. These results provide new insight into ageing mechanism of the microparticles after preparation. From these results important conclusions with respect to storage conditions and shelf life of the reference particles can be drawn. The first batch of pure U-oxide microparticles produced in Juelich was successfully certified regarding the isotopic composition and the U amount per particle and applied in an international laboratory exercise NUSIMEP-9.

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Contributing Institute(s):

1. Nukleare Entsorgung und Reaktorsicherheit (IEK-6)

Research Program(s):

1. 161 - Nuclear Waste Management (POF3-161) (POF3-161)
2. 1411 - Nuclear Waste Disposal (POF4-141) (POF4-141)
3. IAEA GER SP - Joint Programme on the Technical Development and Further Improvement of IAEA Safeguards between the Government of the Federal Republic of Germany and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA-19781005) (IAEA-19781005)

Appears in the scientific report 2021

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Database coverage:
; ; ; Clarivate Analytics Master Journal List ; Emerging Sources Citation Index ; Web of Science Core Collection

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