Nanofluidics Revolution: Protecting The World One Drop At A Time

Nanofluidics is a technology that involves the transport of very small liquid samples, on the order of micro- or pico-liters, confined to nanoscale structures. Scientists at the Savannah River National Laboratory (SRNL) in collaboration with the University of South Carolina are investigating a new measurement technique using nanofluidics for fast and easy verification of the presence of special nuclear material (SNM) in aqueous solutions. Research is specifically geared toward developing small-footprint high sensitivity lab-on-a-chip devices for the detection and separation of plutonium. It also laid the groundwork for developing ultra-sensitive sensors using in structural health monitoring system for in situ, noninterrupted detection of the leaching and migration of radionuclides outside the cementitious barriers for nuclear waste storage facilities. This innovative method has promise for the nuclear industry's processing technologies, environmental protection, and safeguards.