Structural properties of ultra-small thorium and uranium dioxide nanoparticles embedded in a covalent organic framework.

ABSTRACT: We report the structural properties of ultra-small ThO₂ and UO₂ nanoparticles (NPs), which were synthesized without strong binding surface ligands by employing a covalent organic framework (COF-5) as an inert template. The resultant NPs were used to observe how structural properties are affected by decreasing grain size within bulk actinide oxides, which has implications for understanding the behavior of nuclear fuel materials. Through a comprehensive characterization strategy, we gain insight regarding how structure at the NP surface differs from the interior. Characterization using electron microscopy and small-angle X-ray scattering indicates that growth of the ThO₂ and UO₂ NPs was confined by the pores of the COF template, resulting in sub-3

SUBMITTER: Moreau LM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8159168 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature