Radiation-Induced Transformation and Degradation of Uranium and Thorium Actinide Materials: Insights from Ionizing Processes

This dissertation investigates the stability and transformation of actinide compounds when exposed to ionizing radiation and plasmas. A broad range of materials were examined, including uranyl peroxide cage clusters, uranyl nitrates, chlorides, and sulfates, as well as thorium terephthalate coordination polymers and metal-organic frameworks. This work delves into various aspects of radical chemistry, utilizing 5 MeV He²? ions and non-thermal plasmas as ionization sources. Throughout the research, radiation stability thresholds were identified, and mechanisms of transformation were proposed.