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 and bananas only emit gamma rays (very small amounts so 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:

Grand Challenge: Prevent nuclear terror
Lim, A.; Arrue, J.; Rose, P. B.; Sellinger, A.*; Erickson, A.* S. Polysiloxane Scintillators for Efficient Neutron and Gamma-Ray Pulse Shape Discrimination. ACS Applied Polymer Materials 2020, 2, 3657-3662, pubs.acs.org/doi/full/10.1021/acsapm.0c00641 Lim, A.; Hernandez, G.; Latta, J.; Yemam, H. A.; Senevirathna, W.; Greife, U.; Sellinger, A. “Methacrylate functionalized 2,5-diphenyloxazole for use as fluorescent monomers in plastic scintillators”, ACS Applied Polymer Materials, 2019, 16, 1420-1429, pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acsapm.9b00188 Lim, A.; Mahl, A.; Latta, J.; Yemam, H. A.; Greife, U.; Sellinger, A. Plastic scintillators with efficient light output and pulse shape discrimination produced via photoinitiated polymerization. Journal of Applied Polymer Science 2019, doi.org/10.1002/app.47381 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.

Primary Contacts:

Caleb Chandler, chandler@mymail.mines.edu, graduate student Alan Sellinger, aselli@mines.edu

Student Preparation

Qualifications

Organic Chemistry 1 and 2 and corresponding labs

TIME COMMITMENT (HRS/WK)

4-12

SKILLS/TECHNIQUES GAINED

Organic and polymer synthesis and associated characterization. Knowledge of radiation testing and interpretation of results.

MENTORING PLAN

The UG MURF student will be mentored by both graduate students and Prof. Sellinger

PREFERRED STUDENT STATUS

Sophomore
Junior
Senior
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