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INL reports findings on unusual quantum behavior of plutonium
Scientists at Idaho National Laboratory have discovered that plutonium hexaboride (PuB6) displays a type of unusual quantum property called a topological Kondo insulating state. Materials with this property are neither typical electricity conductors nor regular insulators. Rather, they have exterior surfaces that strongly conduct electricity and interiors that block electricity.
Jungsook Clara Wren, Chris J. Moore
Nuclear Technology | Volume 94 | Number 2 | May 1991 | Pages 242-251
Technical Paper | Advances in Reactor Accident Consequence Assessment / Material | doi.org/10.13182/NT91-A34545
Articles are hosted by Taylor and Francis Online.
Triethylenediamine (TEDA) impregnated charcoals, used in nuclear reactors to safeguard against the release of airborne radioiodine, show high efficiency under various reactor operation and accident conditions when they are new. However, during normal operation, charcoal filters are continuously degraded (or weathered) due to the adsorption of moisture and other air contaminants. The effect of weathering on the efficiency of charcoal for removing radioiodine is of great interest. The results of a study on the adsorption behavior of various contaminants {NO2, SO2, 2-butanone [methyl-ethyl ketone (MEK)], and NH3} on TEDA charcoal are presented. This study is an attempt to characterize and quantify the weathering process of TEDA charcoal by these contaminants. The adsorption and desorption of characteristics of these contaminants range from completely irreversible (NO2) to completely reversible (NH3). The effect of adsorbed water (or humidity) on adsorption is different for each contaminant. Adsorbed water increases the adsorption rate and capacity of TEDA charcoal for NO2, while it does not significantly change those for SO2. However, it appears that SO2 is adsorbed as H2SO4 on the wet charcoal. Adsorbed water slightly reduces the adsorption capacity of the charcoal for MEK, but does not affect the adsorption of NH3.