title: Pore-Filled Scintillating Membrane as Sensing Matrix for α-Emitting Actinides.
abstract: Pore-filled membranes with scintillating properties have been synthesized for sensing α-emitting radionuclides. The membranes have been prepared by in situ UV-initiator-induced polymerization of monomer bis[2-(methacryloxy)ethyl] phosphate in pores of the host membranes, poly(propylene) and poly(ethersulfone). The polymerization has been carried out in the presence of scintillating molecules, 2,5-diphenyloxazole. These scintillating molecules are physically trapped in the thus formed microgel in the membrane. Much higher α-scintillation efficiency has been obtained for the (241)Am-loaded poly(ethersulfone)-based grafted membrane compared to poly(propylene)-based membrane. This was attributed to the aromatic backbone of the poly(ethersulfone) membrane. The scintillation response of poly(ethersulfone)-based membranes has been found to be linear over the range of (241)Am activity studied. The pore-filled scintillating membranes have been found to be selective toward Pu(4+) ions at higher HNO3 concentration compared to Am(3+). The analytical performance of the pore-filled scintillating membranes has been evaluated. The membranes have been found to be stable and reusable. The scintillating membrane with optimized composition has been applied for quantification of Pu in a soil sample.
authors.affiliation: Radiochemistry Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) , Trombay, Mumbai 400085, India.
authors.forename: Vivek
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Chavan
authors.affiliation: Radiochemistry Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) , Trombay, Mumbai 400085, India.
authors.forename: Chhavi
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Agarwal
authors.affiliation: Radiochemistry Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) , Trombay, Mumbai 400085, India.
authors.forename: A K
authors.initials: AK
authors.lastname: Pandey
mesh_terms: D000098:Acetophenones / Q000528:radiation effects; D000180:Acrylic Resins / Q000138:chemical synthesis; D008671:Actinoid Series Elements / Q000032:analysis*; D000576:Americium / Q000032:analysis; D008567:Membranes, Artificial; D010755:Organophosphates / Q000737:chemistry / Q000528:radiation effects; D010080:Oxazoles / Q000737:chemistry; D011005:Plutonium / Q000032:analysis; D058105:Polymerization; D016062:Porosity; D012588:Scintillation Counting; D012990:Soil Pollutants, Radioactive / Q000032:analysis; D013343:Styrenes / Q000737:chemistry; D014466:Ultraviolet Rays
chemical_list: D000098:Acetophenones; D000180:Acrylic Resins; D008671:Actinoid Series Elements; D008567:Membranes, Artificial; D010755:Organophosphates; D010080:Oxazoles; D012990:Soil Pollutants, Radioactive; D013343:Styrenes; C083050:4-bis(2-methylstyryl)benzene; D011005:Plutonium; C009012:2,5-diphenyloxazole; D000576:Americium