Synthesis of carbon-13 labelled carbonaceous deposits and their evaluation for potential use as surrogates to better understand the behaviour of the carbon-14-containing deposit present in irradiated PGA graphite

The Impact of Alkaliphilic Biofilm Formation on the Release and Retention of Carbon Isotopes from Nuclear Reactor Graphite

“…22 and Payne et al . 23 ), of 14 C deposits could still be seen, with a clear biofilm coating the surface of these deposits observed on the biotic samples. In a similar fashion, clusters of cells and biofilm could be observed on the surface of the inner brick samples.…”

“…The radiological activity of 14 C limits its ease of manipulation in the laboratory, however recent advances have led to the development of a 13 C labelled deposit. These deposits have been shown to be analogous to the 14 C deposits observed on exposed reactor graphite surfaces in terms of topology and internal morphology 22 , 23 . These simulants allow the microbial impact on the release of isotopic carbon to be evaluated under alkaline conditions.…”

“…13 C labelled carbonaceous deposits were prepared on unirradiated Pile Grade A graphite discs (Ø12 mm × 1 mm) via microwave plasma chemical vapour deposition described in Payne et al . 23 . These discs held 3.6 mg of 13 C, which equates to 0.012 mg/mm 2 .…”

Nuclear batteries: Current context and near‐term expectations

“…However, very recently a research team at the University of Bristol (UK) had the fascinating idea to use the abundant 14 C found in the graphite moderators of the UK's nuclear reactors and to insert it in diamond. Previous researches had indeed evidenced that the 14 C isotopes are mostly concentrated on the surface of the irradiated graphite, from which they can be extracted and integrated into CVD‐grown diamonds 85,86 …”

“…Previous researches had indeed evidenced that the 14 C isotopes are mostly concentrated on the surface of the irradiated graphite, from which they can be extracted and integrated into CVD-grown diamonds. 85,86 Overall the recent advances in the technology of β-voltaics have led to produce several outstanding demonstrators and laboratory prototypes with performances well above those of the traditional β-batteries. An evolution towards fully functional systems is expected at short times, making it possible a successfully integration of such power sources in emerging micro-and nano-electronics.…”