Chemical and physical consequences of α and β- decay in the solid state

Interesting chemical and structural phenomena can occur when radioactive materials are stored in the solid state. Extensive studies have been made of both the chemical and physical status of progeny species that result from the α or β - day of actinide ions in several different compounds. The samples have been both initially pure actinide compounds - halides, oxides, etc. and actinides incorporated into other non-radioactive host materials, for example lanthanide halides. In general, the oxidation state of the actinide progeny is controlled by the oxidation state of its parent (a result of heredity). The structure of the progeny compound seems to be controlled by its host (a result of environment). These conclusions are drawn from solid state absorption spectral studies, and where possible, from x-ray diffraction studies of multi-microgram sized samples. 13 references, 4 figures, 4 tables