Research Areas
Accident tolerant fuels:
Accident tolerant fuels:
With the current global need to improve the safety and reliability of nuclear power plants, government and the nuclear industries around the world are emphasizing on the development and evaluation of materials with enhanced performance UO2 - Zircaloy fuel-cladding system. These set of materials known to as "Accident Tolerant Fuels", ATF, are revolutionary alternatives that are not only meant to last longer than current fuel-cladding systems during normal operation, but also tolerate a loss of active cooling in the reactor core for longer times. We are investigating surface characteristics, surface chemistry, and mechanical properties of ATF, and their evolution under specific environments.
With the current global need to improve the safety and reliability of nuclear power plants, government and the nuclear industries around the world are emphasizing on the development and evaluation of materials with enhanced performance UO2 - Zircaloy fuel-cladding system. These set of materials known to as "Accident Tolerant Fuels", ATF, are revolutionary alternatives that are not only meant to last longer than current fuel-cladding systems during normal operation, but also tolerate a loss of active cooling in the reactor core for longer times. We are investigating surface characteristics, surface chemistry, and mechanical properties of ATF, and their evolution under specific environments.
Radiation Synthesis of Nanomaterials:
Radiation Synthesis of Nanomaterials:
As part of the radiation chemistry trends, radiation synthesis of materials is one of the lines that are currently being explored. In the lab, we are producing metallic nanoparticles deposited on carbon substrates and oxides using gamma irradiation and X-rays. Decorating carbon substrates (nanotubes, graphene, and graphene oxide) with certain metal nanoparticles is a promising option for catalysis, hydrogen storage, and sensing. The use of ionizing radiation such as gamma (γ) and X-rays, has shown significant advantages over others methods for the production of metallic nanoparticles since radiation parameters such as energy, dose, and dose rate can be finely controlled. In addition, reducing agents are generated uniformly throughout the aqueous solution. As a result of this research effort, we have a wide variety of monometallic nanoparticles on both graphene oxide and carbon nanotubes as shown in figures below.
As part of the radiation chemistry trends, radiation synthesis of materials is one of the lines that are currently being explored. In the lab, we are producing metallic nanoparticles deposited on carbon substrates and oxides using gamma irradiation and X-rays. Decorating carbon substrates (nanotubes, graphene, and graphene oxide) with certain metal nanoparticles is a promising option for catalysis, hydrogen storage, and sensing. The use of ionizing radiation such as gamma (γ) and X-rays, has shown significant advantages over others methods for the production of metallic nanoparticles since radiation parameters such as energy, dose, and dose rate can be finely controlled. In addition, reducing agents are generated uniformly throughout the aqueous solution. As a result of this research effort, we have a wide variety of monometallic nanoparticles on both graphene oxide and carbon nanotubes as shown in figures below.
Ru Nanoparticles on MWCNTs
Ru Nanoparticles on MWCNTs
Radiation Synthesis
Radiation Synthesis
Pd Nanoparticles on GO
Pd Nanoparticles on GO
Targeted radiation therapy:
Targeted radiation therapy:
In our lab, we are currently advancing on the synthesis and characterization of lanthanide-based nanoparticles for encapsulation of radioisotopes for targeted radioimmunotherapy and imaging. Our current efforts are focused on the synthesis of the radioactive nanoparticles, functionalization, and antibody conjugation. These research work is being carried out in collaboration with Oak Ridge National Laboratory
In our lab, we are currently advancing on the synthesis and characterization of lanthanide-based nanoparticles for encapsulation of radioisotopes for targeted radioimmunotherapy and imaging. Our current efforts are focused on the synthesis of the radioactive nanoparticles, functionalization, and antibody conjugation. These research work is being carried out in collaboration with Oak Ridge National Laboratory
Lanthanum Phosphate Nanoparticles
Lanthanum Phosphate Nanoparticles
Gadolinium Phosphate Nanoparticles
Gadolinium Phosphate Nanoparticles
Radiosensitizers:
Radiosensitizers:
The goal is to develop a strategy to treat cancer cells using a non-invasive method that would potentially lead to a highly efficient radiation therapy with minimal side effects. The research group is currently investigating metal nanoparticles such as gold deposited on certain oxides as radiosensitizers to be used in in combination with X-rays. These nanocomposites in combination with X-rays open a window for a noninvasive targeted treatment as the nanoparticles can be positioned in the tissue to be treated.
The goal is to develop a strategy to treat cancer cells using a non-invasive method that would potentially lead to a highly efficient radiation therapy with minimal side effects. The research group is currently investigating metal nanoparticles such as gold deposited on certain oxides as radiosensitizers to be used in in combination with X-rays. These nanocomposites in combination with X-rays open a window for a noninvasive targeted treatment as the nanoparticles can be positioned in the tissue to be treated.
TEM image of Au on TiO2 synthesized through X-rays
TEM image of Au on TiO2 synthesized through X-rays
Radiation enhancement by nanomaterials
Radiation enhancement by nanomaterials
TEM image of Au on TiO2 synthesized through X-rays
TEM image of Au on TiO2 synthesized through X-rays
Nuclear materials:
Nuclear materials:
We are currently investigating the behavior, microstructural evolution, mechanical and thermal properties of ZrB2under ion beam irradiation for nuclear power applications. This research project is being partially funded by the DOE- NSUF nuclear science Facilities and it is being conducted in collaboration with University of Wisconsin and Missouri University of Science and technology. The ZrB2 belongs to the Ultra High Temperature Ceramics (UHTCs). As a UHTCs, ZrB2 has exceptional properties such as high melting point (~3250°C), high strength, thermal stress resistance, etc. Therefore, ZrB2 has a great potential to be utilized in reactor core components and near core fuel coating material.
We are currently investigating the behavior, microstructural evolution, mechanical and thermal properties of ZrB2under ion beam irradiation for nuclear power applications. This research project is being partially funded by the DOE- NSUF nuclear science Facilities and it is being conducted in collaboration with University of Wisconsin and Missouri University of Science and technology. The ZrB2 belongs to the Ultra High Temperature Ceramics (UHTCs). As a UHTCs, ZrB2 has exceptional properties such as high melting point (~3250°C), high strength, thermal stress resistance, etc. Therefore, ZrB2 has a great potential to be utilized in reactor core components and near core fuel coating material.
Sponsors and fellowships
Sponsors and fellowships
