Petr Matveev

Developing Nuclear Forensic Skills in the Undergraduate Lab: A Case Study in Radioactive Source Attribution This article presents an engaging laboratory module that introduces undergraduate or PhD students to nuclear forensic analysis through hands-on experience with nondestructive analytical techniques. The exercise trains students to characterize unknown radioactive samples using gamma spectrometry, digital radiography, alpha-track detection, and scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDS). Through this multitechnique approach, students learn to identify contamination sources by analyzing isotopic ratios (241Am/137Cs) and morphological features of radioactive particles. In addition, when working with anthropogenic samples, students gain experience in the localization and characterization of “hot” particles. The module combines a structured lecture on nuclear forensic principles with a four week investigative laboratory project. Students work in teams to analyze simulated environmental samples potentially contaminated from various anthropogenic sources (nuclear accidents, weapons testing, or industrial activities). The progression from basic radiation measurements to advanced particle characterization reinforces fundamental concepts in radiochemistry while enabling the development of critical analytical skills. Assessment data demonstrate that the activity improves students’ understanding of nuclear forensic methodologies and their ability to correlate analytical data with contamination scenarios. The laboratory design emphasizes safety considerations for handling radioactive materials and teaches proper data interpretation through guided inquiry. This module provides a template for incorporating applied radiochemistry into undergraduate curricula while addressing the growing workforce needs in nuclear security and environmental monitoring.

Our new paper presents an undergraduate lab module on nuclear forensics and radioactive source attribution.
A hands-on way to bring applied radiochemistry into teaching and help train the next generation of specialists in this critical field.

pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/...

we systematically establish L3 and L1-edge XANES fingerprints of rhenium across oxidation states 0 to +7, revealing how ligand donor–acceptor properties and 5d hybridization govern spectral shifts

pubs.rsc.org/en/content/a...
@jaas.rsc.org
#XAS #rhenium

The role of neptunium oxidation states and coordination in shaping XANES spectra at the Np L3 absorption edge This paper presents the results of a comprehensive study of neptunium oxides in oxidation states +4 to +7 using X-ray absorption near-edge spectroscopy (XANES) and theoretical modeling. Based on labor...

Our theoretical and experimental XAS study of neptunium in different oxidation states has been published in Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics.
@pccp.rsc.org
#actinides #XAS
pubs.rsc.org/en/content/a...

A highly efficient extraction system for Am(III)–Cm(III) pair separation in spent nuclear fuel reprocessing Closing the nuclear fuel cycle is a key objective in the development of Generation IV nuclear systems, enabling the recycling of actinides and reducing the long-term radiotoxicity of nuclear waste. Am...

Our new work on a highly robust phenanthroline-dicarboxamide extractant enabling efficient Am(III)/Cm(III) separation, validated in counter-current tests with real VVER-1000 raffinate.

doi.org/10.1039/D5QI...

@inorgchemfront.rsc.org

Solvent Extraction and Coordination Properties of 1,10-Phenanthroline-2,9-dicarboxylic Acid Diamides with Alkyl-Aryl Substituents toward Lanthanides(III) and Americium(III) pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/... Evsiunina, Nenajdenko, and co-workers @InorgChem #lanthanides #americium #DAPhen