Programs
We conduct basic research into the fundamental chemical processes induced by ionizing radiation
Energy deposition and transport following the absorption of ionizing radiation are probed in media ranging from low-temperature ices, through aromatic liquids to supercritical fluids. Track structure effects and the structure, properties and reactions of the radicals formed in these tracks are addressed both experimentally, using a variety of time-resolved spectroscopic approaches and theoretically with computational simulation and ab initio electronic structure techniques.
Determining radiation effects at nuclear reactor temperatures
— aims to improve and extend existing radiolysis models to high temperatures and pressures with both pulse radiolysis experiments and Monte Carlo simulations of the pure water solvent, probes speciation and redox reaction rates in high-temperature water to understand the radiation-induced chemistry of species typically found in nuclear reactor cooling loops, develops Raman spectroscopy of transient molten-salt species to positively identify radiation-induced species present in the various molten salts, and quantifies radiation-enhanced corrosion targeting the direct measurement of corrosive oxide growth in an intense e-beam radiation field.
Addressing challenges in radionuclide separations and storage kinetics
— probes the redox kinetics of actinide ions in aqueous/organic solutions, characterize the radiation chemistry of actinide-ligand complexes, evaluates the radiation stability of uranyl compounds, assesses the radiation resistance of new hydrophilic soft donor chelators and uncovers radiation induced chemistry at relevant interfaces.
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Advancing foundational aspects in radiation-induced chemistry
— tracks shifts in excitation and ionization energies in sub- and supercritical non-polar organics, explores electron energy transfer in systems of diverse complexities, develops a working theory for hydrated electron reactions, explains radiation damage in modern structural techniques and characterizes radiolytic product formation in electron microscopies.
Navigating energy and electron flow in light-harvesting assemblies
— modulates energy flow in semiconductor-quantum-dot-molecular hybrid assemblies to establish ways to utilize upconverted energy in electron transfer processes, Designs semiconductor-redox assemblies to maximize the efficiency of charge transfer by activating sub bandgap states and utilizing Marcus inverted region to suppress the back electron transfer process, elucidates semiconductor-metal interactions to improve the selectivity and efficiency of photocatalytic reduction and oxidation processes and probes chemical evolutions at the interface using a combination of photoemission spectroscopies.
Our wide range of experimental capabilities, coupled with the great depth of our in-house research experience, enables the NDRL to engage successfully with other funding opportunities. Currently these include Plasma-induced electrochemistry (AOR), Radiolytic dissolution of ceramics (DOE-NEUP), Conformational equilibria in oligosaccharides (NSF), Interfacial dynamics in radioactive environments (DOE-EFRC), Actinide center for excellence (NNSA), Molten salts in extreme environments (DOE-EFRC), Radiolysis in solvent extractions (DOE-NEUP), and Radiation effects on space volatiles (NASA).