MSc Nuclear Science and Technology / Course details

The module will be delivered over 5 successive days. Given the diversity of the student group, we cannot assume significant chemical background, hence the inclusion of an introduction/refresher day (Day 1) Running order may change depending on staff availability.

Day 1 Introduction to Key Chemical and Physical Principles (Scott Heath). Oxidation states, ions in solution, hydrolysis and complexation. Kinetic and thermodynamic control, solubility and precipitation. Equilibrium constants. Salient features of radioactivity and detection.

Day 2 ½ day on Source Terms- the Example of the Fusion Fuel Cycle (Francis Livens) Tritium production and processing; lithium source materials; ½ day on Radiation Chemistry (Fred Currell, Alex Baidak, External TBC*). Free radical chemistry, linear energy transfer, radiation tracks. Radiolysis of water. Case study: PVC behaviour in Pu cans.

Day 3. Environmental Radiochemistry (Francis Livens, Liam Abrahamsen-Mills*). Sources of natural and artificial radioactivity. Chemistry of natural and engineered environments- clays, hydrous oxides, natural organic matter. Ion exchange and surface complexation processes. Colloids and nanoparticles. X-ray absorption and electron microscopic characterisation. Case study: Legacy Ponds & Silos

Day 4. PWR Coolant Chemistry (Fabio Scenini, Nick Jones*). Chemistry control during normal operations. Effects of chemistry on generation and transport of radioactivity. Influence of operating chemistry on materials selection, degradation and performance. Startup and shutdown chemistry.

Day 5 Analytical and Forensic Radiochemistry (Francis Livens, Scott Heath, Olivia Marsden*) Gross counting techniques, radiochemical separation, alpha and beta counting, environmental gamma spectrometry, atom counting techniques. Nuclear forensics- intrinsic and extrinsic properties, elemental and isotopic fingerprinting. Case studies: Heisenberg Cube; Operation Whimbrel

The unit aims to:

1. provide knowledge of the key chemical principles of importance in nuclear technology

2. illustrate the applicability of these principles in a range of nuclear technologies

3. provide an understanding of the impact of chemical reactions in the nuclear sector

ILO 1 - recall and explain relevant concepts and principles of the chemistry of the solid and solution states Lectures/ groupwork/ independent assignments Coursework/ presentation

ILO 2 - apply these principles to chemical phenomena in a range of nuclear systems As above As above

ILO 3 - apply the chemical techniques used in environmental and analytical radiochemistry As above As above

ILO 4 - synthesise, analyse and interpret example chemical and radiochemical data from nuclear systems

Online preparatory material, lectures, group work, presentations

Work is marked and returned with feedback. Marks for the presentations are provided immediately afterwards.

Radiochemistry and Nuclear Chemistry 4th Edition, by Gregory Choppin, Jan-Olov Liljenzin, Jan Rydberg, Christian Ekberg / The f Elements by Nikolas Kaltsoyannis and Peter Scott / Nuclear Forensic Analysis (2nd ed) by Kenton J. Moody, Patrick M. Grant, Ian D. Hutcheon