Solution combustion synthesis of actinide nanoscale materials and thin film targets

Dr. Khachatur Manuykan
Department of Physics & Astronomy
University of Notre Dame

The safe and economical preparation of thin-film actinide targets of desired thicknesses remains challenging in nuclear science studies. Over the last few years, we have implemented new methods for preparing nanoscale bulk actinide oxides and thin film targets. The methods include the solution combustion synthesis (SCS) processes between actinide metal nitrates (oxidizer) and organic compounds (fuel) dissolved in different solvents. Self-generated heat during these reactions eliminates or reduces the need for external heating to prepare nanoscale materials with high crystallinity. Combining SCS reactions with spin-coating, spraying, and inkjet printing techniques enables the preparation of isotopically pure and uniform thin-film targets with tunable thicknesses deposited on different substrates. The characterization by X-ray fluorescence, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, alpha-particle emission spectroscopy, and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy methods of irradiated targets with charge particles and neutron beams show high stability and robustness.  

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