The objective of this course is to explore the fundamental aspects of the nucleus and radiochemistry, with emphasis on the determination of radioactive species and the application of nuclear processes, radioactive materials, and radiochemical techniques in chemical analysis. It also includes an introduction to nuclear facilities (accelerators and nuclear research reactors) and base concepts of radioprotection. 1) Knowledge of radiation interaction with matter 2) Knowledge of radioactive decay processes 3) Base knowledge of nuclear investigation techniques 4) Knowledge of radioprotection principles 5) Knowledge of nuclear facilities working principles 6) Basics of behavior in classified areas
Course Prerequisites
Mathematical Institutions General and Inorganic Chemistry + Laboratory
Teaching Methods
Frontal lectures comprehensive of a first section revolving around introduction of mandatory concepts to understand the nuclear processes and a second section where applications are discussed to which practical experience in radiochemical laboratories will follow
Assessment Methods
Try to verify the level of understanding and acquisition of the concepts developed in two written tests and an interview centered on the concepts in the program.
Texts
The range of topics covered in this course is vast, thus, there is not a unique suitable textbook. One book that you may find useful, yet its purchase is not required, is the following:
G. Choppin, J.-O. Liljenzin, J. Rydberg. Radiochemistry and Nuclear Chemistry, 4th edition, Butterworth-Heinemann (2018).
Other resources: G. Friedlander, J. Kennedy, J. Miller. Nuclear and Radiochemistry, John Wiley & Sons (1981). C. Keller. Radiochemistry, John Wiley & Sons (1988). R.J. Woods, A.K. Pikaev. Applied radiation chemistry: radiation processing, Wiley (1994). H. Lieser. Nuclear and Radiochemistry: fundamentals and applications, VCH (1997). Jens-Volker Kratz. Nuclear and Radiochemistry: Fundaments and Applications, Wiley (2013). G Gilmore. Practical Gamma-ray spectrometry, 2nd edition, John Wiley & Sons (2008).
Contents
The atomic nucleus. Mass and energy of bond of the nucleus. Conditions of stability and instability of the nuclides. Natural and artificially produced radioactivity. Processes of radioactive decay. Kinetics and types of decays (alfa, beta, gamma). Interaction radiation-matter, radiation detection/measurement (including estimation of measurement uncertainty), and the analytical applications of nuclear reactions. Practical exercises will be conducted concerning the use of instrumentation and manipulation practices on some of the topics covered in lectures. In particular, special focus will be directed towards neutron activation analysis techniques (with absolute, relative and k0 methods), spectrometry and liquid scintillation counting. Laboratory experience also includes radiochemical separation (for analysis and radioisotopes production purposes)
