Plasma Scraping of 14C Surface Nanolayer Formed by Neutron Fluence of Graphite Reactor

Abstract

In this article, we consider some mechanisms of the formation of a nanometer-thick surface layer enriched with 14C isotope. Main channel of 14C surface accumulation is believed to be the neutron capture reaction with 14N atoms of the cooling gas mixture during operation of uranium-graphite reactors, in particular, a high-power channel-type reactor (RBMK-type reactor). For the “dry” collection of thin layers enriched in 14C isotope from the irradiated graphite surface of graphite-type nuclear reactor and further compact burial, we propose argon plasma discharge technology based on the special type of a microdischarge at a high pressure, up to atmospheric pressure. In addition, there are some important technical applications, such as brachytherapy medicine or new beta-voltaic batteries, which require the deposition of thin layers of beta-active isotopes (e.g. 14C) with nanoscale precision to form a controlled output energy spectrum of secondary electrons. The proposed technological scheme can potentially be used both for graphite deactivation in the irradiated reactor during decommissioning of uranium-graphite reactors, and at the same time for fabrication of highly concentrated 14C nanosized coatings for use in radionuclide medicine and beta-voltaic batteries.