Refractory Coated Silica Aerogels ? Catchers for the Fast Release of Unstable Light Nuclei

Short-lived isotopes are expected to play a key role in unravelling unanswered questions in nuclear physics research. The modified Rare Isotope Accelerator (RIA)-lite facility, under consideration for construction in the US, will have unique capabilities for the development of exotic beams to facilitate these studies. The DOE RIA-lite program is seeking advances in production techniques and improved yields of rare isotopes to overcome the limitations of existing Isotopic Separation On-Line (ISOL) techniques. This project will develop and test ISOL catchers based on aerogel nano-technology. In particular, silica aerogels with a range of pore sizes will be designed, developed, and demonstrated. In Phase I, the internal pore surfaces of the aerogels will be coated with a refractory metal, tungsten, by atomic layer deposition. The structural stability and interconnectivity of pores, when operated at temperatures greater than approximately 2000 degrees C, will be evaluated for their suitability as isotope catchers. Commercial Applications and other Benefits as described by the awardee: The nanoporous refractory monoliths should find use as rare isotope catchers, enabling their efficient extraction into high quality low energy beams in support of the DOE-RIA-lite program needs. The rare isotopes also should contribute to nuclear medicine suited for both diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. A secondary market includes aerogels in insulation and fuel storage, and in capacitors for energy storage. Metals and metal-oxide-coated aerogels should find applications in catalysis and in environmental decontamination.