Constraining the fundamental chemistry of uranium minerals and their associated alteration phases has implications for nuclear waste storage and the environmental mobility of uranium. Of the possible transformations that can occur at the mineral surface, buildup of peroxide to the point of uranyl peroxide formation is of particular interest as it has occurred in multiple scenarios such as on spent fuel and depleted uranium-containing projectiles. The uranyl peroxide studtite, [(UO2)O2(H2O)2](H2O)2, is a secondary mineral of low aqueous solubility that can form by incorporating radiolytic-peroxide at a mineral-water interface of an existing uranium-bearing mineral. Sufficient concentrations of peroxide at this surface can result in the precipitation of studtite. The role alpha-radiolysis plays in producing secondary uranium mineral species requires ongoing inquiry. Specifically, recent reports of studtite formation are inconsistent with the existing understanding of the water-uranium system. Irradiating uranyl minerals using an external source of radioactivity is useful in that a controlled dose can be delivered to a well-characterized specimen in order to study any alteration products that may form, such as studtite. Here we focus on irradiation of metaschoepite, [(UO2)8O2(OH)12](H2O)10, as a starting material in an effort to better probe the interfacial properties of this system.

Synthetic metaschoepite transformations: Effects of radiation and high relative humidity

Macromolecular Chemistry: The Second Century

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ACS Spring 2020 National Meeting & Expo

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.