Isotopic Carbon Graphene Foil Targets

For low-energy nuclear physics research, isotopic carbon targets, 12C and 13C are requested in thicknesses about 1 mg/cm2 but are commercially unavailable. Neutron-rich isotopic 14C targets are in high demand AT ANY THICKNESS. This program is intended to develop a material-efficient means of providing these targets for DOE and other customers. Applied Nanotech will develop a means of converting existing stock of material, which is in an amorphous carbon powder format, into a graphitic structure such that graphene-oxide inks can be made. Once in a graphene ink format, these inks can be used to make carbon foil targets using technology previously developed in a previous DOE SBIR program (DE-SC0000852). 12-Carbon and 13-Carbon targets will be made in the Phase I program. The amorphous carbon powder will be heated to high temperature in an inert gas oven to convert the carbon powders to the graphene carbon phase. Then Applied Nanotech will use this material to make a graphene oxide ink that is then used to make the target, then the oxide is reduced to leave only graphene phase. Phase II will develop the means of making 14-Carbon target at Argonne National Lab or other DOE lab since this material is radioactive. This program will develop much needed carbon-based targets for nuclear physics applications. Applied Nanotech will develop the targets from carbon isotopes 12C, 13C and 14C that will use existing stock of these materials very efficiently since some of these materials exist in very small quantities. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits: The carbon isotope targets are primarily used in nuclear physics particle beam accelerators. Some of these accelerators are at DOE labs (Brookhaven, Argonne) but others are at universities and non-profit institutions. Targets made from natural carbon have application in medical accelerators used to make radioactive pharmaceuticals for medical imaging and radiology treatments.