Scanning Election Microscopy Research Articles

Oil-water separation through an ultrahydrophobic filter paper developed by sol-gel dip-coating technique

Eco-friendly oil–water separation substrates are mostly recommended in the present context of the world. In the present work, biodegradable and more economical ultrahydrophobic composite material was synthesized by sol–gel method using silica nanoparticles (SiO2) and poly (methyl methacrylate-co-ethyl acrylate) polymer (PMMA) with 1H,1H,2H,2H Perfluorooctyltrichlorosilane (PFOTS) coupler, and coated on 40-grade cellulose filter paper with a dip-coating method. As-prepared surfaces achieved static contact angle more than 175° and sliding angle 3.8°. The microstructure and chemical composition of ultrahydrophobic filter paper were characterized by scanning electric microscopy (SEM), X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), and Flourier transformation infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), respectively. The coated filter paper accomplished 98% oil–water separation efficiency by filtering different oils. Besides, the SiO2 nanoparticles were enhanced the thermal and UV aging resistance. The coated surfaces also showed excellent chemical inertness, and mechanical durability tested. This research work can be employed yet for domestic and industrial applications at a large scale for oil–water separation and self-cleaning.

The Synthesis of Mesoporous TS-1 and Its Performance for Oxidation of Diphenyl Sulfide and Dibenzyl Sulfide

TS-1 zeolite has outstanding performance in the catalytic reactions with hydrogen peroxide as catalytic promoter. However, the narrow pore size (< 1.0 nm) of traditional TS-1 makes it difficult for bulky organic compounds to contact with the active sites in the pores, which seriously limits application of TS-1. Recently, the introduction of mesoporous structure into microporous TS-1 becomes a hot research topic. Meanwhile, the huge synthesis cost of TS-1 is another main reason hindering its industrial application. In this paper, mesoporous TS-1 was successfully synthesized using sodium silicate as silicon source and titanium trichloride as titanium source under the template conditions of tetrapropylammonium hydroxide (TPAOH) and cationic polymer. The mesoporous TS-1 was characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), N2 adsorption, scanning electric microscopy (SEM), transmitting electric microscopy (TEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and UV-Vis Spectrum spectra (UV-Vis). Results show that the synthesized TS-1 zeolites have good crystallinity and tetra-coordinated framework Ti atoms, and there are abundant mesoporous structures in the zeolite crystals. The results of oxidation experiments show that conversion of diphenyl sulfide and dibenzyl sulfide with mesoporous TS-1 are 97.3 % and 85.3 % respectively, while that conversion with microporous TS-1 are 75.7 % and 63.5 respectively.

ОНГОНИТОВЫЕ ДАЙКИ ВОСТОЧНОГО КАЗАХСТАНА И СПЕЦИФИКА ИХ РУДОНОСНОСТИ

Goal of the research is to study regularities, age, material composition and ore content of ongonite-like dike belts of East Kazakhstan. Methods are field works carried out within Kalba-Narym shear zone where dike belts are developed. Geological and structural position of dikes and their age ratio to granitoids of Kalba-Narym pluton and ore formations have been determined. The samples were selected from varieties of ongonite dikes. Microprobe analyses have been carried out on a scanning election microscope JSM 6390 with an energy-dispersive add-on device, besides, mass-spectrometer researches have been conducted on ICP-MS. The purpose of these is to identify mineralogical and geochemical specialization of dike rocks. Findings. The following has been found due to the conducted researches and comparison analysis with other regions: Two groups of heterochronous dike belts were formed during Hercynian Period in geological structures of East Kazakhstan comprised in general system of Central Asian belt. The dike belts belong to gabbro- diorite – granodiorite – plagiogranite series, and the groups are of pre-batholite (C2-3–C3) and post-batholite (P2) types. Late postbatholite dikes of quartz porphyrites and quartz albitophyres of Mirolyubovsky complex (P2) refer to ongonites. Probably, they are derivatives of deep residual magma chambers. In the course of the work, ongonites geochemical differentiation into rare metals(Ti, Nb, Li, Sn, W and other) and rare alkalies has been established. The researches have shown that ongonite-like dikes are of post-mineral nature that is proved by their position in relation to ore bodies and by other factors. Besides, no rare metal ore of practical significance has been found within these dikes. Scientific novelty and practical application. It can be assumed that greater development of gabbro- diorite – granodiorite – plagiogranite dikes within the known and supposed ore fields, as well as specialization of rocks that dikes are composed of, enable to consider them as prospecting indicators of concealed rare metal objects. To study dike formations of this kind is very important for reconstruction of geodynamic environments, for development of correlation patterns of granitoid magmatism and for studying ore formation processes. By all means, all this can be used in geologic mapping practice, especially on the closed territories.

Three New Species of Ulnaria (Kützing) Compère (Bacillariophyta) from China, with Reference to the Fine Structure of Their Valvocopula

Three new species of Ulnaria (Kutzing) Compere are described based on light and scanning electric microscopy observations. Ulnaria oxybiseriata D.M. Williams & Bing Liu, sp. nov., has linear-lanceolate to lanceolate valves with apiculate and produced ends, biseriate striae, and a central area mostly forming an incomplete fascia surrounded by shortened striae on one side. Ulnaria jinbianensis S. Blanco & Bing Liu, sp. nov., bears linear-lanceolate valves with rostrate to subrostrate ends in larger valves and cuneate ends in smaller valves, uniseriate stria, and a central area forming a rectangular to trapezoid fascia. Ulnaria dongtingensis Bing Liu, sp. nov., possesses a narrow-lanceolate valve outline with produced rostrate to capitate ends, uniseriate stria, and a central area forming almost square fascia. The valvocopula of all three new species bears the same ultrastructure: 1) a complete valvocopula is a closed ring with the same shape as the valve outline, closely attached to the mantle interior surrounding the valve margin; 2) each valvocopula present a row of poroids which bisects the pars interior and exterior; 3) valvocopula with sawtooth-shaped projections attached to the valve over virgae internally; and 4) the valvocopula closed and hyaline at both apices. All three species were found in alkaline freshwater (around pH 8) with moderate conductivity (c. 102-221 µS/cm).

Microstructure and Properties of Fe-based Amorphous/Nanocrystalline Coating Prepared by Arc Surface Welding

The Fe-based amorphous/nanocrystalline coating was prepared by combining the properties of the amorphous alloy with surface welding. The microstructure of the coating was investigated by scanning election microscopy equipped with energy-dispersive spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy and x-ray diffraction. The thermal stability and crystallization behavior were characterized by differential scanning calorimetry. The corrosion behavior of the coating under different heat treatments was evaluated by electrochemical measurement. The results showed that the surface coating had a mixed microstructure composed of amorphous phases and nanocrystallines. Moreover, the coating was well metallurgically bonded with the substrate and had good thermal stability. However, the proportion of amorphous phase in the coating decreased to 40%, 27%, 15% and 9% after heat treatment at 550°C, 600°C, 650°C and 700°C. The corrosion resistance of the coating was first improved at 550°C but decreased as the annealing temperature increased further.

CeO2/Co3O4 hollow microsphere: Pollen-biotemplated preparation and application in photo-catalytic degradation

Lotus pollen was used as biotemplate to produce the CeO2/Co3O4 hollow microsphere for photo-catalytic degradation of methylene blue (MB) and tetracycline (TC). The synthesized materials were systematically characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning election microscope (SEM), transmission electron microscope (TEM), X-ray photoelectron (XPS), N2 physisorption, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and UV–vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (UV–vis DRS). The results showed that the catalysts can perfectly duplicate the morphology of the pollen, and CeO2/Co3O4 composite exhibited the typical hollow-microsphere structure with the external diameter of about 26 μm and a high specific surface area of 48.1 m2 g–1. Compared with the CeO2 hollow microsphere prepared by the same method, the photocatalytic degradation performance of the CeO2/Co3O4 hollow microsphere was much higher due to the enhanced electron transfer deriving from the synergistic effect between Co and Ce species. The degradation rate of MB under xenon lamp was above 95% within 90 min, and the degradation rate of TC was above 90% within 60 min. In addition, CeO2/Co3O4 hollow microsphere showed high reusability, which could be reused for four cycles without significant decrease of activity for the degradation of both MB and TC.

Structural, Optical and Frequency Dependent Electrical Behaviour of Aluminum Nitride (ALN) Nanopowder

Aluminum nitride (AlN) is ceramic material. It has very high thermal and low electrical conductivity. The Variation of Various Electrical Parameters viz. Impedance (Z), Admittance (Y), Dielectric Permittivity ('), Relative Loss (''), Electrical Conductivity (), and Loss Tangent (Tan ) with frequency Dependence of Aluminum Nitride (AlN) Nano powder were studied. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM); Raman Spectroscopy; and X-ray diffraction (XRD) were used to analyse the surfaces and structures of aluminum nirtride nanopowder. It has been found that the particle size is of 36.15 nm and the crystallographic structure is amorphous. The surface morphology of the studied compound has been investigated by Scanning Election Microscopy (SEM) indicating the particles are in nanosize and characteristic range of diameters are in nanoscale. The electrical studies of the studied compound have been examined in order to acquire the electrical parameters (mainly dielectric permittivity, loss, conductivity, loss-tangent, impedance, and admittance). Small rise in the conductivity (with frequency dependent) has been observed due to the decrease in the particle size of the material.it is also observed that the relative permittivity ('), relative loss '') and dissipation factor (Tan ) decreases with increase in frequency. The Raman shift variation with the intensity which shows the peaks of the compound are obtained at 506 cm-1, 615 cm-1 656 cm-1, 873 cm-1, 882 cm-1, 949 cm-1, and 974 cm-1using laser at 785 nm.

A high-performance room temperature methanol gas sensor based on alpha-iron oxide/polyaniline/PbS quantum dots nanofilm

A high-performance room temperature methanol gas sensor based on alpha-iron oxide/polyaniline/lead sulfide quantum dots (α-Fe2O3/PANI/PbS QDs) nanofilm was demonstrated in this paper, among which the α-Fe2O3 was an urchin-shaped hollow microsphere. The sensing film was fabricated on an epoxy substrate with interdigital electrodes via successive ionic layer adsorption and reaction technique. The prepared α-Fe2O3/PANI/PbS QDs nanocomposite was examined by X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, scanning election microscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectrum. The methanol sensing performances of the α-Fe2O3/PANI/PbS QDs film sensor were investigated against methanol from 10 to 100 ppm at room temperature. The experimental results indicated that the methanol sensor in this work had an excellent response, outstanding selectivity and good repeatability at room temperature. The underlying sensing mechanism of the α-Fe2O3/PANI/PbS QDs film toward methanol was ascribed to a series of interactions and changes on the surface of thin films, which make their resistance change greatly. Larger surface area and much more active adsorption sites also played an important role.

Drying process and quality characteristics of contact ultrasound reinforced heat pump drying on kiwifruit slices

Contact ultrasound reinforced heat pump drying (CUHPD) experiments of kiwifruit slices were performed to investigate the effect of ultrasound application on drying process, microstructure, and several nutrient components of kiwifruit slices. The results showed that the CUHPD of kiwifruit slices was an internal diffusion-controlled process, in which ultrasound application could improve the dehydration rate significantly, and higher ultrasonic power led to shorter drying time. Scanning electric microscopy results illustrated that the ultrasound treatment could produce more micropores and larger microchannels inside kiwifruit slices, and thus reduce the hardness and brittleness values. Both ultrasonic power and drying temperature could significantly affect the total phenolic content, VC content, and total sugar content. Contact ultrasound application in the heat pump drying (HPD) process was conducive to improve the nutrient contents at all drying temperatures. Hence, contact ultrasound application is a promising way to effectively promote the dehydration rate and to improve the product quality of HPD on kiwifruit slices. Practical applications Heat pump drying (HPD) is one of the modern drying methods and has some excellent advantages such as energy-saving and easy operation. However, it has a certain disadvantage like long drying time for those agricultural materials with great internal mass transfer resistance. In this study, the contact ultrasound reinforcing technology was applied to accelerate internal water transfer and improve the drying rate of HPD on kiwifruits. The results showed that the contact ultrasound application could produce a significant reinforcing effect on internal moisture diffusion and dehydration rate, and then reduce the drying time. The increase in ultrasonic power was conducive to improve dried kiwifruit's quality and protect nutrient components in kiwifruit slices compared with single HPD. Therefore, CUHPD is a promising drying method for kiwifruits and can even be effectively applied for other agricultural product drying.

Feasibility of Reusing Marine Dredged Clay Stabilized by a Combination of By-Products in Coastal Road Construction

Road construction work on poor subgrade in coastal, port, and reclamation sites is a traditional challenge for geotechnical engineers because of the typically very weak clayey soil in these domains. This research investigates the effects of adding a new green binder (Fa-RmLG), in different proportions and initial water contents, on the engineering properties of marine dredged clay (MDC) collected from Yeosu port, South Korea. The new green binder used is a combination of fly ash (Fa), phosphogypsum (G), lime (L), and red mud (Rm). In this study, five binder mixtures using different proportions of Fa, G, L, and Rm were blended into MDC with different water contents varying in a range of 1.2 to 2.0 times the liquid limit (LL) value. Tests of unconfined compressive strength, California bearing ratio, swelling, and shrinkage were performed on the stabilized MDC mixtures. As a result, large increases in the strength and bearing capacity as well as significant reductions of the swelling and shrinkage values of the stabilized MDC mixtures were recorded compared with unstabilized MDC. Scanning electric microscope and X-ray diffraction analyses were performed to observe the formation and presence of gels inside the stabilized MDC mixtures. Regarding environmental impact, the pH of the stabilized MDC mixtures did not increase above the corrosive limit (pH = 12.5) by the measured pH value. These results indicate that the new green binder can be used as an effective stabilizer for the stabilization of MDC in coastal road construction.

Preparation and characterization of a novel colorimetric indicator film based on gelatin/polyvinyl alcohol incorporating mulberry anthocyanin extracts for monitoring fish freshness.

This work aimed to develop a novel colorimetric indicator film for monitoring of food freshness based on gelatin/polyvinyl alcohol matrix incorporated with anthocyanin extracts from mulberry. The color of anthocyanin extracts solutions obviously changed from bright red to dark green in the pH range of 2.0-11.0. FTIR spectra and isothermal titration calorimetry showed that the anthocyanin extracts were successfully combined with gelatin/polyvinyl alcohol matrix by hydrogen binding and electrostatic interaction, which enhanced the stability of anthocyanin. The scanning electric microscopy showed that the compatibility between polyvinyl alcohol and gelatin were improved owing to the addition of anthocyanin extracts. With the anthocyanin extracts addition from 0 to 45 mg/100 mL mixed solution, the tensile strength decreased from 30.80 to 21.01 MPa and the elongation at break increased from 589.22% to 905.86%. The color response of film in buffer solution of different pH were in accordance with anthocyanin extracts solutions, and its color changes were clearly visible with naked eye. Finally, the film was evaluated by a test on monitoring fish spoilage, which presented visible color changes due to volatile nitrogenous compounds formed over time. These results showed that this developed film could be used as an effective method for the monitoring of food freshness.

Reinforced strength evaluation of binding material for the restoration of Chinese ancient lacquer furniture

Lacquer, bone glue, and poly(vinyl acetate) (PVAc) were selected in this work as the reinforced binding components for the restoration of lacquer furniture. Three response variables related to the strength of the binding material were studied: cohesive strength of lacquer film, binding situation, and the permeation of adhesive. In addition to mechanical tests, specimens were observed directly and by scanning election microscopy (SEM). The cohesive strength of lacquer film attached by lacquer, bone glue, and PVAc was evaluated on specimens with three kinds of ground layer, including stucco with pig-blood, stucco with lacquer, and the ground layer with titanium dioxide. The permeation of lacquer, bone glue, and PVAc could be determined by SEM. The results shows that strong reinforcement can be achieved by strong cohesive strength of lacquer film, a suitable binding situation, and suitable permeation of the adhesive. Intermediate strength is obtained in the case of intermediate cohesive strength, an intermediate binding situation, and less then optimal permeation. Weak reinforcement results from weak cohesive strength, a poor binding situation, and insufficient permeation.

The effect of complex nucleating agent on the crystallization, phase formation and performances in lithium aluminum silicate (LAS) glasses

The glasses and glass-ceramics in Li2O-Al2O3-SiO2 system containing three complex nucleating agents (TiO2 + ZrO2 + P2O5) were prepared respectively. The effects of P2O5 content on crystallization mechanism and microstructure were researched by means of Differential Scanning Calorimetry, X-Ray Diffraction, Raman Spectra, Fourier Transform Infrared and Scanning Election Microscopy. Simultaneously, the effects of structure and composition on thermal expansion coefficient, transmittance, Vickers hardness, density, bending strength, and chemical stability were also discussed. The results indicated that P2O5 can promote the nucleation and crystallization process by forming AlPO4 and accelerating the precipitation of ZrTiO4. With the increase of P2O5 content (less 5 wt%), the promoting effect of elevated crystallization temperature on the process of grain grown enhanced gradually. Especially when P2O5 content is 5 wt%, the sample have the smallest crystals and the best performance, and there is a relatively low temperature and wide temperature range where could keep the grain size of P5 samples almost unchanged.

Effect of annealing temperature on microstructure and bond strength of cast-rolling Cu–Al clad plates

Effect of different annealing temperatures on evolution of microstructure in copper-aluminum clad plates prepared by cast-rolling were investigated using scanning and transmission electrical microscopy, and x-ray diffraction. Peeling tests were conducted to characterize the bond strength of prepared clad plates. Results showed that with the increase in annealing temperature, the bond strength of the 8 mm thick copper-aluminum clad plates first increased and then decreased. When the annealing temperature was 250 °C–300 °C for 3 h, CuAl2 was formed at the interface, promoting atomic diffusion and improving the bond strength. However, when the annealing temperature was 300 °C–400 °C for 3 h, providing enough energy for a new Cu9Al4 intermetallic phase formed at the interface, and the thickness of the interface layer increased from about 1 μm to 11 μm, while the bond strength decreased from 42 ± 0.8 N·mm−1 to 12 ± 1 N·mm−1. The fracture pattern of the clad plates extensible to brittle with the annealing temperatures from 300 °C to 450 °C for 3 h. According to the experimental results, the optimal annealing temperature for copper-aluminum clad plates prepared by cast-rolling is 300 °C for 3 h.

Optimization of Nickel-Based Catalyst Composition and Reaction Conditions for the Prevention of Carbon Deposition in Toluene Reforming

In this study, nickel-based reforming catalysts were synthesized for the reforming of toluene, a major component of thinners and widely used as an organic solvent. The reaction characteristics of these catalysts were investigated by both steam reforming and auto-thermal reforming. Reforming aromatic hydrocarbons like toluene to produce synthesis gas is difficult because carbon deposition also occurs, and the deposition of carbon lowers the activity of the catalyst and causes a pressure drop during the reaction process. In order to maintain a stable reforming process, a catalytic reaction technique capable of suppressing carbon deposition is required. Steam reforming and auto-thermal reforming of toluene were used in this study, and the temperature of the catalyst bed was remarkably reduced, due to a strong endothermic reaction during the reforming process. By using scanning electric microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and temperature-programmed oxidation analysis, it is shown that carbon deposition was markedly generated due to a catalyst bed temperature decrease. In this study, optimum conditions for catalyst composition and the reforming reaction are proposed to suppress the formation of carbon on the catalyst surface, and to remove the generated carbon from the process. In addition, ceria and zirconia were added as catalytic promoters to inhibit carbon deposition on the catalyst surface, and the carbon deposition phenomena according to the catalyst’s promoter content were investigated. The results showed that the carbon deposition inhibition function of CeO2, via its redox properties, is insignificant in steam reforming, but is notably effective in the auto-thermal reforming of toluene.

Effect of laser remelting on microstructure and wear resistance of plasma sprayed Al2O3-40%TiO2 coating

The Al2O3-40%TiO2 coating fabricated by plasma spraying on carbon steel substrate were remelted by laser, and the effect of laser remelting on microstructure and wear resistance of plasma sprayed Al2O3-40%TiO2 coating were studied. The microstructure and phase composition of plasma sprayed and laser remelted coatings were analyzed using scanning election microscopy (SEM), energy disperse spectroscopy (EDS) and X-ray diffraction(XRD). The micro-hardness and adhesion strength of two coatings were measured using micro-hardness tester and electronic universal tensile testing machine. The wear resistance of two coatings was tested through a slurry rubber wheel abrasion test machine, and the wear behaviour was also studied by SEM.The results show that metastable phase γ-Al2O3 in coating is completely transformed into stable phase α-Al2O3 after laser remelting. The laser remelted coating becomes much denser, and then its microhardness and adhesion strength have been greatly improved. The laser remelted coating exhibits better wear resistance compared to the plasma-sprayed coating, and the main wear mechanism responsible for wear was microcrack and fracture wear.

Key Stages in the Formation of AlPO4-11 via the Crystallization of a Boehmite-Based Aluminophosphate Gel

The staged crystallization of aluminophosphate AlPO4-11 from a commercially available aluminum source based on boehmite is studied for the first time by means of X-ray diffraction, 27Al and 31P magic-angle spinning nuclear magnetic resonance, low-temperature nitrogen adsorption–desorption, and scanning election microscopy. It is shown that the synthesis of AlPO4-11 proceeds via the formation of an intermediate phase based on crystalline aluminophosphate with a layered structure. It is found that AlPO4-11 with a high degree of crystallinity and phase purity forms in 6–24 h at 200°C. Lengthening the time of crystallization at 200°C to more than 48 h results in the transformation of AlPO4-11 into nonporous cristobalite. The results can be used to develop means for directional control of the phase purity and degree of crystallinity of commercially important silicoaluminophosphate molecular sieves SAPO-11 with desired properties. These can be used as a base for the synthesis of promising domestic catalysts for the commercial hydroisomerization of higher n-paraffins.

Promising transport and high-selective separation of Li(I) from Na(I) and K(I) by a functional polymer inclusion membrane (PIM) system

This paper first reports on the high-selective separation and recovery of Li(I) from Na(I) and K(I) using the polymer inclusion membrane (PIM) system containing both thenoyltrifluoroacetone (TTA) and trioctylphosphine oxide (TOPO) as the carrier molecules, and cellulose triacetate (CTA) as the base polymer. To characterize the PIM, we used Fourier Transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, scanning election microscopy (SEM) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The optimized results of this work showed that initial flux (J0) of Li(I) that was as high as 1.04 × 10−2 mol m−2 h−1, corresponding to permeability (P) of 3.62 × 10−3 m h−1, were recorded using the PIM composed of 50 wt% CTA and 26.74 wt% TTA + 23.26 wt% TOPO from a feed phase containing Li(I), Na(I) and K(I) in an alkaline chloride solution into an acceptor phase containing 0.1 M HCl. Li(I) was transported successfully to the acceptor phase but Na(I) and K(I) barely passed in the first 20 h. The separation factor (SF) of Li(I) over the Na(I) and K(I) respectively (SFLi(I)/Na(I)≒54.25, SFLi(I)/k(I)≒50.60) demonstrated that Li(I) can be high-selectively separated. It is expected that this membrane can be applied for selective recovery of Li(I) from salt lakes or sea water that contains significant concentrations of Na(I) and K(I).

Characterization of Oxide Scales on Super-Alloy HR120 at 1000 °C in Air and Steam Environments

Oxidation resistance of super-alloy HR120 in air and steam environments at 1000 °C was investigated. Scanning electric microscopy and X-ray diffraction analysis were used to characterize the corrosion products. The results show that weight gain in steam was much higher than that in air. Oxide scales formed in air were MnCr2O4 and Cr2O3, whereas oxides developed in steam were NiFe2O4, (Cr, Fe)2O3 and little internal Cr-Si oxides. Steam can increase the corrosion rate and fine the oxides formed on the sample’s surface. Moreover, enhanced oxidation of HR120 in steam was mainly attributed to the evaporation of chromium oxyhydroxides.

Silicate coating to prevent leaching from radiolabeled surrogate far-field fallout in aqueous environments

Recent characterization of radioactive particles indicate that a large percentage of the radioactivity observed during the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear meltdown was insoluble 137Cs bound within silica microparticles. Therefore, much of the decontamination research performed prior to the Fukushima incident that used either soluble radionuclides deposited onto wet surfaces or large (∼100 μm) particles characteristic of nuclear weapons fallout do not accurately represent the characteristics of potential contamination. Thus, the common practice of extrapolating radioactive decontamination methods generically to all radioactive release events is, at best, suspect. In response, a method to produce chemically-inert, radiolabeled silica particles was developed. Binding 152Eu within a sodium silicate coating required proper temperature control and ethanol was beneficial as a volatile dispersant to limit residues. In the end, a step-wise method, which first deposited 152Eu or 241Am as a nitrate salt, decomposed the salt to a sesquioxide, and finally coated the surface with sodium silicate led to dispersed particles of the desired 2 or 0.5 μm diameters. Dynamic light scattering and scanning election microscopy confirmed the particle size was unchanged. Leaching studies into several common decontaminants were performed to ensure particle inertness. Our approach allows for substitution of other radionuclides making it a robust, simple, and novel method to produce inert particle surrogates for a release event that allows direct comparison of decontamination techniques and contaminant fate studies, greatly aiding the development of response and recovery plans.