One-step synthesis of hollow UO 2 nanospheres via radiolytic reduction of ammonium uranyl tricarbonate

• DOI: 10.1016/j.cclet.2016.06.035
• Publication Date: 2016-07-03T16:14:04Z
• Authors: Yong-Ming Wang; Qing-De Chen; Xing-Hai Shen
• Keywords: Uranyl; Selected area diffraction

Abstract Black precipitates were successfully obtained by radiolytic reduction of ammonium uranyl tricarbonate in the aqueous solution of HCOONH 4 by one step. TEM, SAED, EDS, and XRD analysis indicated that the precipitates consist of hollow UO 2 nanospheres ( ϕ : 30–50 nm, wall thickness: 8–15 nm, and cavity diameter: 10–20 nm). The effect of HCOONH 4 concentration, irradiation time and dose rate on the morphology, and size of nanospheres was investigated. Then, a gas-bubble template mechanism was proposed.