Fast, robust, and cost-effective methods are needed for nuclear processing and environmental applications where in-line and field applications are desired.  Sensors need good selectivity for accurate measurements on complex samples such as found in process and environmental settings.  A sensor based on spectroelectrochemistry is an excellent candidate to meet these needs as it can specifically target a single analyte in a sample containing many p+otential interferences. <br/><br/>The sensor consists of an innovative spectroelectrochemical configuration that we have developed by combining the following elements: spectroscopy, electrochemistry, device fabrication, thin film technology, and synthetic inorganic chemistry. In one type of spectroelectrochemical sensor the additional selectivity is provided by subjecting the analyte to electrolysis that electrochemically modulates an optical signal such as absorbance or fluorescence. The modulated signal can then be distinguished from the constant signals of the potential interferences, and the analyte quantified by the magnitude of the change in optical signal.  The spectroelectrochemical sensor has been demonstrated on a variety of chemical systems including authentic radioactive waste samples. Specific examples of analyte detection including ferrocyanide, technetium and ruthenium will be presented.

Spectroelectrochemistry as a tool for understanding the behavior of radionuclides in natural and engineered systems

ACS Spring Meeting 2021

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