The investigation of the production of Ac-227, Ra-228, Th-228, and U-232 in thorium by particle accelerators for use in radioisotope power systems and nuclear batteries

Abstract

We recommend a new method from a different perspective for the production of Ac-227, Ra-228, Th-228, and U-232 radioisotopes which have an important potential for use in radioisotope power systems (instead of Pu-238) and nuclear batteries, based on the long half-life, high power density, and low radiation level. In the method, the production of Ac-227, Ra-228, Th-228, and U-232 radioisotopes were performed by particle accelerators on Th-232 targets, instead of uranium, thorium, actinium series, etc. in nuclear reactors. For this aim, to produce Ac-227, Ra-228, Th-228, and U-232 radioisotopes, we calculated cross-section and integral yields curves and simulated activities and yields of product for each reaction process under special conditions, such as during irradiation of 24 h in a particle beam current of 1 mA for the energy range of Eprojectile = 1000 → 1 MeV. The obtained data were compared with the experimental EXFOR database and theoretical TENDL database in detail. The cross-section, activity, and yields results of each nuclear reaction process were analyzed and discussed in terms of the suitable production of Ac-227, Ra-228, Th-228, and U-232 radioisotopes.