Atomic controllable anchoring of uranium into zirconate pyrochlore with ultrahigh loading capacity.

Efficient immobilization of actinide wastes is challenging in the nuclear energy industry. Here, we reported that 100% substitution of Zr by U in a LaZrO matrix has been achieved for the first time by the molten salt (MS) method. Importantly, we observed that uranium can be precisely anchored into Zr or La sites of the LaZrO matrix, as confirmed by X-ray diffraction, Raman, and X-ray absorption spectra.

A spectroscopic hike in the U-O phase diagram.

The U-O phase diagram is of paramount interest for nuclear-related applications and has therefore been extensively studied. Experimental data have been gathered to feed the thermodynamic calculations and achieve an optimization of the U-O system modelling. Although considered as well established, a critical assessment of this large body of experimental data is necessary, especially in light of the recent development of new techniques applicable to actinide materials.

Peculiar Thermal Behavior of UO Local Stucture.

Most materials expand with temperature because of the anharmonicity of lattice vibration, and only a few shrink with increasing temperature. UO, whose thermal properties are of significant importance for the safe use of nuclear energy, was considered for a long time to belong to the first group. This view was challenged by recent in situ synchrotron X-ray diffraction measurements, showing an unusual thermal decrease of the U-O distances.

Robust Functionalization of Large Microelectrode Arrays by Using Pulsed Potentiostatic Deposition.

Surface modification of microelectrodes is a central step in the development of microsensors and microsensor arrays. Here, we present an electrodeposition scheme based on voltage pulses. Key features of this method are uniformity in the deposited electrode coatings, flexibility in the overall deposition area, i.

Fully integrated CMOS microsystem for electrochemical measurements on 32 × 32 working electrodes at 90 frames per second.

Microelectrode arrays offer the potential to electrochemically monitor concentrations of molecules at high spatial resolution. However, current systems are limited in the number of sensor sites, signal resolution, and throughput. Here, we present a fully integrated complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) system with an array of 32 × 32 working electrodes to perform electrochemical measurements like amperometry and voltammetry.