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Heavy Element and Separation Science
Heavy Elements Photophysics and Photochemistry
 The
objective of this program is the determination and modeling of electronic and
magnetic properties that are characteristic of the heavy elements and their compounds.
We probe excited state formation and its consequences using methods, including
optically detected nuclear magnetic resonance, that provide unprecedented detail
as to the interaction of a heavy element ion with its local environment. Our fundamental
studies in gas and solution phases are creating new options for detecting leaking
uranium hexafluoride (UF6) cylinders, exploiting radioactive waste
species as photocatalysts in destruction of organic compounds in solution, improving
nuclear waste forms, and preventing mixed waste generation in decontamination
of metal surfaces.
We apply the predictive understanding achieved in this research to fundamentally
and technologically important issues throughout the nuclear fuel cycle. The nuclear
fuel cycle, as it involves electric power generation from the fissioning of uranium,
is shown at the right. This cycle encompasses production of uranium ore via mining,
milling of ore to produce a uranium oxide, U3O8, conversion
of U3O8 to UF6, uranium isotope enrichment, fabrication
of uranium dioxide fuel pellets from enriched UF6, power production
from the fissioning of U-235 in fuel pellets in a nuclear reactor, storage of
spent reactor fuel, and ultimate geological disposal. Our current work is providing
insight into, and the basis for, new methods that address nuclear fuel concerns
that arise primarily in postconversion phases.
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Glassblowing
Interfacial
Processes
Radiation
and Photochemistry
Photosynthesis
Biological
Materials Growth Facility
Cluster
Studies
Chemical
Dynamics
Atomic Physics
Nanophotonics
Heavy
Elements
Coordination
Chemistry
f-Electron
Interactions
Actinide
Facility
Computational
Materials and Electrochemical Processes
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