Project Info

Using Organic and Polymer Chemistry to Detect and Differentiate Radiation Sources

Alan Sellinger | aselli@mines.edu

Detection of special nuclear materials (SNMs) at borders is imperative for global safety. However, current forms of detection are too expensive to screen all cargo ships, trucks, or trains passing across borders. Plastic scintillators are emerging as a cost-effective form of first-line detection for SNMs. As a first-line of screening, plastic scintillators must be able to discriminate between hazardous materials, like plutonium, and benign ones, such as kitty litter. While kitty litter only emits gamma rays (very small amounts so kitty is safe!), SNMs emit both neutrons and gamma rays. Plastic scintillators can differentiate between benign materials and SNMs by distinguishing between neutrons and gamma rays. One method to distinguish these two types of radiation is called pulse shape discrimination. In Dr. Sellinger’s group, we combine small-molecule organic chemistry, and polymer chemistry with an understanding of nuclear physics and material science. With this interdisciplinary approach, we can design, synthesize, and characterize novel polymers and fluorescent molecules capable of distinguishing between plutonium and kitty litter. Students will have the opportunity to dive into organic synthesis and materials characterization, while learning to collaborate and communicate with nuclear physicists and engineers.

More Information

“1. Mahl, A.; Yemam, H. A.; Fernando, R.; Koubek, J. T.; Sellinger, A.; Greife, U.: “”10B enriched plastic scintillators for application in thermal neutron detection.”” Nuclear Instruments and Methods in Physics Research Section A, 2018, 880, 1-5, doi.org/10.1016/j.nima.2017.10.042.
2. Mahl, A.; Lim, A.; Latta, J.; Yemam, H. A.; Greife, U.; Sellinger, A.: “”Methacrylate based cross-linkers for improved thermomechanical properties and retention of radiation detection response in plastic scintillators.”” Nuclear Instruments and Methods in Physics Research Section A, 2018, 884, 113-118, 10.1016/j.nima.2017.11.091.
3. Yemam, H. A.; Mahl, A.; Tinkham, J. S.; Koubek, J. T.; Greife, U.; Sellinger, A.: “”Highly Soluble p-Terphenyl and Fluorene Derivatives as Efficient Dopants in Plastic Scintillators for Sensitive Nuclear Material Detection.”” Chemistry – A European Journal 2017, 23, 8921-8931, 10.1002/chem.201700877.
4. Mahl, A.; Yemam, H.A.; Stuntz, J.; Remedes, T.; Sellinger, A.; Greife “”Bis(pinacolato)diboron as an additive for the detection of thermal neutrons in plastic scintillators”” Nuclear Instruments and Methods in Physics Research Section A, 2016, 816, 96-100, doi.org/10.1016/j.nima.2016.01.073.
5. Yemam, H.A.; Mahl, A.; Koldemir, U.; Remedes, T.; Parkin, S.; Greife, U.; Sellinger, A. “”Boron-rich benzene and pyrene derivatives for the detection of thermal neutrons”” Scientific Reports 2015, 5, 13401, DOI: 10.1038/srep13401.
6. Bertrand, G. H. V.; Hamel, M.; Sguerra, F.: “”Current Status on Plastic Scintillators Modifications.”” Chemistry – A European Journal 2014, 20, 15660-15685, doi:10.1002/chem.201404093.”

Grand Engineering Challenge: Prevent nuclear terror