Preparation of High Entropy Titanite Pyrochlore and Radiation Stability Study

Author

Adam GootgeldFollow

Date of Award

8-2023

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Materials Science and Engineering

Committee Chair/Advisor

Kyle Brinkman

Committee Member

Jianhua Tong

Committee Member

Dilpuneet Aidhy

Abstract

Pyrochlore has been studied as a host phase for safe storage of radionuclides and exists naturally with long-term stability with good long-range order [1]. High entropy oxides show promising tunable properties that could demonstrate favorable bulk deposit of radioactive materials such as spent nuclear fuel (Uranium and other actinides). It is proposed that using high entropy oxides (HEOs) as the cation in this framework will shift the gibbs free energy so that radioactive nuclear waste will be stabilized for safe, long-term, eco-friendly storage. We have established a consistent method to fabricate high entropy titanite pyrochlores. In this study, ion beam irradiation (600 keV Ar ion) is used to produce displacement damage and simulate alpha decay damage from self-radiation damage in nuclear waste. GIXRD and TEM are used to analyze depth of the damages layer of various irradiation High Entropy Pyrochlore in effort to see if radiation stability properties are increased. In-Situ TEM (1 MeV Kr) is also used to study radiation induced amorphization, revealing a lack of enhanced stability from an increase in cations in pyrochlores A-position. The subsequent research has shown parallels to literature review.

Recommended Citation

Gootgeld, Adam, "Preparation of High Entropy Titanite Pyrochlore and Radiation Stability Study" (2023). All Theses. 4150.
https://tigerprints.clemson.edu/all_theses/4150