Designing a Sensor for Pertechnetate
EMSL Project ID
47615
Abstract
In situ detection of radioactive components of the nuclear waste is important but difficult task. The overall aim of our research currently funded by DOE is to design a new sensor methodology that offers unprecedented levels of specificity needed for analysis of the complex chemical mixtures found at DOE sites nationwide. This project involves a very successful collaboration between scientists at the University of Cincinnati (UC) and the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL). Our previous work performed at the Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory (EMSL) significantly contributed to the successful project progression and resulted in several peer-reviewed publications.Development of a sensor for 99Tc that is applicable to characterizing and monitoring the vadose zone and associated ground water is targeted by our current investigation. Pertechnetate TcO4- is the dominant 99Tc species in the vadose zone and ground water. Because it lacks spectroscopic signature, detection of pertechnetate by the established analytical methods is problematic. The goal of the work described in this proposal is to design and test fluorescent complexes with Tc(II/V) metal center which will allow for the detection of 99Tc upon selective pertechnetate uptake by thin film followed by reduction of Tc(VII) to Tc(II/V). Our previous work has established that this sensor will have the capability for on-site 99Tc monitoring, either by immersion in subsurface water for continuous monitoring or for the immediate analysis of collected samples. To achieve the target detection sensitivity needed to reach 10-10 M regulatory concentration limit, new fluorescent 99Tc(II/V) will be designed, obtained, and tested for their optical and electrochemical properties in various media. The project will build on the substantial progress of a well-established UC-PNNL collaboration, which provides the wide range of expertise ensuring the project success.
Project Details
Start Date
2012-09-27
End Date
2013-09-29
Status
Closed
Released Data Link
Team
Principal Investigator
Co-Investigator(s)
Team Members