The Colorimetric Detection of Actinides (CoDeAc) uses a novel system of color changing agents to produce a color change in the presence of actinides. Imagine a Handi-Wipe that turns a different color when it picks up uranium (U) or plutonium (Pu) and you’ve got the basic idea of CoDeAc. When responding to anything from a “dirty bomb” attack to condensation on a surface at a nuclear power plant, first responders, military personnel, forensic investigators and radiological control technicians need simple, rapid and reliable field equipment to detect actinide contamination. Hand-held radiation detectors may provide adequate screening for beta, gamma and neutron-emitting sources, but they may lack the field sensitivity and adaptability for detecting alpha particle emitters in the presence of certain environmental interferences. A new selective colorimetric technology has been developed for response personnel to characterize actinides, such as U and Pu, contamination for both field contamination events and everyday maintenance testing at nuclear facilities. Results have shown success in both selectivity and sensitivity for low level concentrations of U and Pu at parts-per-billion (ppb, pCi/L) and parts-per-million (ppm, nCi/L) levels, respectively.  CoDeAc uses a selective color change method which renders a go/no go detection of U and Pu at low levels in under a minute and on scene of a radiological event. This novel chemical detection method will allow civilian and military first responders to more effectively assess a radiological event’s magnitude, dimensions, and severity early, thereby helping on-scene coordinators to make crucial decisions quickly.

Colorimetric detection of actinides (CoDeAc)

ACS Spring Meeting 2021

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