| 1. |
- Gerber, Evgeny, et al.
(författare)
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The missing pieces of the PuO2 nanoparticle puzzle
- 2020
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Ingår i: Nanoscale. - : ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY. - 2040-3364 .- 2040-3372. ; 12:35, s. 18039-18048
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The nanoscience field often produces results more mystifying than any other discipline. It has been argued that changes in the plutonium dioxide (PuO2) particle size from bulk to nano can have a drastic effect on PuO2 properties. Here we report a full characterization of PuO2 nanoparticles (NPs) at the atomic level and probe their local and electronic structures by a variety of methods available at the synchrotron, including extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) at the Pu L-3 edge, X-ray absorption near edge structure (XANES) in high energy resolution fluorescence detection (HERFD) mode at the Pu L-3 and M-4 edges, high energy X-ray scattering (HEXS) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The particles were synthesized from precursors with different oxidation states of plutonium (III, IV, and V) under various environmentally and waste storage relevant conditions (pH 8 and pH > 10). Our experimental results analyzed with state-of-the-art theoretical approaches demonstrate that well dispersed, crystalline NPs with a size of similar to 2.5 nm in diameter are always formed in spite of diverse chemical conditions. Identical crystal structures and the presence of only the Pu(IV) oxidation state in all NPs, reported here for the first time, indicate that the structure of PuO2 NPs is very similar to that of the bulk PuO2. All methods give complementary information and show that investigated fundamental properties of PuO2 NPs, rather than being exotic, are very similar to those of the bulk PuO2.
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| 2. |
- Gerber, Evgeny, et al.
(författare)
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To form or not to form : PuO2 nanoparticles at acidic pH
- 2022
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Ingår i: ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE-NANO. - : Royal Society of Chemistry. - 2051-8153 .- 2051-8161. ; 9:4, s. 1509-1518
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The aim of this study is to synthesize PuO2 nanoparticles (NPs) at low pH values and characterize the materials using laboratory and synchrotron-based methods. Properties of the PuO2 NPs formed under acidic conditions (pH 1-4) are explored here at the atomic scale. High-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) is applied to characterize the crystallinity, morphology and size of the particles. It is found that 2 nm crystalline NPs are formed with a PuO2 crystal structure. High energy resolution fluorescence detected (HERFD) X-ray absorption spectroscopy at the Pu M-4 edge has been used to identify the Pu oxidation states and recorded data are analysed using the theory based on the Anderson impurity model (AIM). The experimental data obtained on NPs show that the Pu(iv) oxidation state dominates in all NPs formed at pH 1-4. However, the suspension at pH 1 demonstrates the presence of Pu(iii) and Pu(vi) in addition to the Pu(iv), which is associated with redox dissolution of PuO2 NPs under acidic conditions. We discuss in detail the mechanism that affects the PuO2 NPs synthesis under acidic conditions and compare it with one in neutral and alkaline conditions. Hence, the results shown here, together with the first Pu M-4 HERFD data on PuF3 and PuF4 compounds, are significant for the colloid facilitated transport governing the migration of plutonium in a subsurface environment.
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| 3. |
- Pidchenko, Ivan, et al.
(författare)
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Synthesis, Structural, and Electronic Properties of K4PuVIO2(CO3)3(cr) : An Environmentally Relevant Plutonium Carbonate Complex
- 2020
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Ingår i: Inorganic Chemistry. - : American Chemical Society (ACS). - 0020-1669 .- 1520-510X. ; 59:17, s. 11889-11893
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The chemical properties of actinide materials are often predefined and described based on the data available for isostructural species. This is the case for potassium plutonyl (PuVI) carbonate, K4PuVIO2(CO3)3(cr), a complex relevant for nuclear technology and the environment, of which the crystallographic and thermodynamic properties of which are still lacking. We report here the synthesis and characterization of PuVI achieved by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis and high-energy-resolution fluorescence-detected X-ray absorption near-edge structure at the Pu M4-edge coupled with electronic structure calculations. The crystallographic properties of PuVI are compared with isostructural uranium (U) and neptunium (Np) compounds. Actinyl (AnVI) axial bond lengths, [O–AnVI–O]2+, are correlated between solid, K4AnVIO2(CO3)3(cr), and aqueous, [AnVIO2(CO3)3]4–(aq) species for the UVI–NpVI–PuVI series. The spectroscopic data are compared to KPuVO2CO3(cr) and PuIVO2(cr) to tackle the trend in the electronic structure of PuVI regarding the oxidation state changes and local structural modifications around the Pu atom.
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| 4. |
- Amidani, Lucia, et al.
(författare)
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Oxygen K-Edge X-ray Absorption Spectra of ThO2 and CeO2 : Experiment, Interpretation, and Structural Effects
- 2023
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Ingår i: The Journal of Physical Chemistry C. - : American Chemical Society (ACS). - 1932-7447 .- 1932-7455. ; 127:6, s. 3077-3084
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Experimental oxygen K-edge spectra of ThO2 and CeO2 are presented and interpreted based on density functional theory (DFT). The contribution of d and f orbitals to the O Kedge spectrum is identified as well-distinguished peaks, the presence of which evidences the strong hybridization of Th and Ce metal centers with O orbitals. The sensitivity of the O K-edge to both f- and d-states in the absence of a core-hole on the metal ion results in an insightful overview of the electronic structure involved in the chemical bond. In particular, the large bandwidth of the Th 5f band as compared to the Ce 4f band is observed as a set of wider and more substantial set of peaks in the O K-edge, confirming the stronger hybridization of the former with O orbitals. The peak ascribed to the 5f band of ThO2 is found at higher energy than the 6d band, as predicted from DFT calculations on actinide dioxides. To highlight the sensitivity and the potential use of the O K-edge for the characterization of ThO2-based systems, the sensitivity of the spectrum to structural changes such as lattice expansion and size reduction are calculated and discussed.
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| 5. |
- Amidani, Lucia, et al.
(författare)
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Understanding the size effects on the electronic structure of ThO2 nanoparticles
- 2019
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Ingår i: Physical Chemistry, Chemical Physics - PCCP. - : Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC). - 1463-9076 .- 1463-9084. ; 21:20, s. 10635-10643
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Developing characterization techniques and analysis methods adapted to the investigation of nanoparticles (NPs) is of fundamental importance considering the role of these materials in many fields of research. The study of actinide based NPs, despite their environmental relevance, is still underdeveloped compared to that of NPs based on stable and lighter elements. We present here an investigation of ThO2 NPs performed with High-Energy Resolution Fluorescence Detected (HERFD) X-ray Absorption Near-Edge Structure (XANES) and with ab initio XANES simulations. The first post-edge feature of Th L-3 edge HERFD XANES disappears in small NPs and simulations considering non-relaxed structural models reproduce the trends observed in experimental data. Inspection of the simulations of Th atoms in the core and on the surface of the NP indeed demonstrates that the first post-edge feature is very sensitive to the lowering of the number of coordinating atoms and therefore to the more exposed Th atoms at the surface of the NP. The sensitivity of the L-3 edge HERFD XANES to low coordinated atoms at the surface stems from the hybridization of the d-Density of States (DOS) of Th with both O and Th neighboring atoms. This may be a common feature to other oxide systems that can be exploited to investigate surface interactions.
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| 6. |
- Bauters, Stephen, et al.
(författare)
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Signatures of technetium oxidation states : a new approach
- 2020
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Ingår i: Chemical Communications. - : ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY. - 1359-7345 .- 1364-548X. ; 56:67, s. 9608-9611
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- A general strategy for the determination of Tc oxidation state by new approach involving X-ray absorption near edge spectroscopy (XANES) at the Tc L-3 edge is shown. A comprehensive series of Tc-99 compounds, ranging from oxidation states I to VII, was measured and subsequently simulated within the framework of crystal-field multiplet theory. The observable trends in the absorption edge energy shift in combination with the spectral shape allow for a deeper understanding of complicated Tc coordination chemistry. This approach can be extended to numerous studies of Tc systems as this method is one of the most sensitive methods for accurate Tc oxidation state and ligand characterization.
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| 7. |
- Boulanger, Nicolas, et al.
(författare)
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Enhanced Sorption of Radionuclides by Defect-Rich Graphene Oxide
- 2020
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Ingår i: ACS Applied Materials and Interfaces. - : American Chemical Society (ACS). - 1944-8244 .- 1944-8252. ; 12:40, s. 45122-45135
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Extremely defect graphene oxide (dGO) is proposed as an advanced sorbent for treatment of radioactive waste and contaminated natural waters. dGO prepared using a modified Hummers oxidation procedure, starting from reduced graphene oxide (rGO) as a precursor, shows significantly higher sorption of U(VI), Am(III), and Eu(III) than standard graphene oxides (GOs). Earlier studies revealed the mechanism of radionuclide sorption related to defects in GO sheets. Therefore, explosive thermal exfoliation of graphite oxide was used to prepare rGO with a large number of defects and holes. Defects and holes are additionally introduced by Hummers oxidation of rGO, thus providing an extremely defect-rich material. Analysis of characterization by XPS, TGA, and FTIR shows that dGO oxygen functionalization is predominantly related to defects, such as flake edges and edge atoms of holes, whereas standard GO exhibits oxygen functional groups mostly on the planar surface. The high abundance of defects in dGO results in a 15-fold increase in sorption capacity of U(VI) compared to that in standard Hummers GO. The improved sorption capacity of dGO is related to abundant carboxylic group attached hole edge atoms of GO flakes as revealed by synchrotron-based extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) and high-energy resolution fluorescence detected X-ray absorption near edge structure (HERFD-XANES) spectroscopy.
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| 8. |
- Boulanger, Nicolas, et al.
(författare)
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High Surface Area "3D Graphene Oxide" for Enhanced Sorption of Radionuclides
- 2022
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Ingår i: Advanced Materials Interfaces. - : John Wiley & Sons. - 2196-7350. ; 9:18
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Here preparation of high surface area activated reduced graphene oxide (arGO) oxidized into a 3D analogue of defect-rich GO (dGO) is reported. Surface oxidation of arGO results in carbon to oxygen ratio C/O = 3.3, similar to the oxidation state of graphene oxide while preserving high BET surface area of about 880 m2 g−1. Analysis of surface oxidized arGO shows high abundance of oxygen functional groups which converts hydrophobic precursor into hydrophilic material. High surface area carbons provide the whole surface for oxidation without the need of intercalation and lattice expansion. Therefore, surface oxidation methods are sufficient to convert the materials into 3D architectures with chemical properties similar to graphene oxide. The "3D graphene oxide" shows high sorption capacity for U(VI) removal in an extraordinary broad interval of pH. Notably, the surface oxidized carbon material has a rigid 3D structure with micropores accessible for penetration of radionuclide ions. Therefore, the bulk "3D GO" can be used as a sorbent directly without dispersing, the step required for GO to make its surface area accessible for pollutants.
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| 9. |
- Butorin, Sergei, et al.
(författare)
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Effect of carbon content on electronic structure of uranium carbides
- 2023
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Ingår i: Scientific Reports. - : Springer Nature. - 2045-2322. ; 13
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The electronic structure of UCx (x = 0.9, 1.0, 1.1, 2.0) was studied by means of x-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) at the CK edge and measurements in the high energy resolution fluorescence detection (HERFD) mode at the U M-4 and L-3 edges. The full-relativistic density functional theory calculations taking into account the 5f - 5f Coulomb interaction U and spin-orbit coupling (DFT+U+SOC) were also performed for UCand UC2. While the U L-3 HERFD-XAS spectra of the studied samples reveal little difference, the U M-4 HERFD-XAS spectra show certain sensitivity to the varying carbon content in uranium carbides. The observed gradual changes in the U M-4 HERFD spectra suggest an increase in the C2p-U 5f charge transfer, which is supported by the orbital population analysis in the DFT+U+ SOC calculations, indicating an increase in the U 5f occupancy in UC2 as compared to that in UC. On the other hand, the density of states at the Fermi level were found to be significantly lower in UC2, thus affecting the thermodynamic properties. Both the x-ray spectroscopic data (in particular, the CK XAS measurements) and results of the DFT+U+SOC calculations indicate the importance of taking into account U and SOC for the description of the electronic structure of actinide carbides.
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| 10. |
- Butorin, Sergei. M., et al.
(författare)
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Characteristics of chemical bonding of pentavalent uranium in La-doped UO2
- 2017
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Ingår i: Chemical Communications. - : Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC). - 1359-7345 .- 1364-548X. ; 53:1, s. 115-118
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The effect of La doping on the electronic structure of U in UO2 was studied using an advanced technique, namely, X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) in the high-energy-resolution fluorescence-detection (HERFD) mode, at the U 3d(3/2) (M-4) edge. Thanks to a significant reduction of the core-hole lifetime broadening and distinct chemical shifts of the HERFD-XAS lines, the U(v) formation as a result of La doping was identified. The isolated contribution of U(v) in the M-4 HERFD-XAS spectrum reveals the so-called charge-transfer satellites due to the U 5f-O 2p hybridization. The analysis of the experimental data within the framework of the Anderson impurity model (AIM) indicates a significant change in the characteristics and degree of covalency for the chemical bonding in the U(v) subsystem of UO2 as compared to undoped UO2, which is a Mott-Hubbard system. The results are also supported by AIM calculations of X-ray photoelectron and optical absorption data.
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