Synthesis and structure of zinc oxide clusters encapsulated in zeolite LTA

We report the synthesis and structure, obtained through Rietveld analysis of powder synchrotron X-ray diffraction data, of zinc oxide clusters encapsulated in zeolite LTA

An ordered array of cadmium clusters assembled in zeolite A.

We report the assembly of a cubic array of cationic cadmium clusters encapsulated in zeolite A, and its characterization through Rietveld analysis of powder synchrotron X-ray diffraction data and high resolution transmission electron microscopy

Diffraction study of pressure-amorphized ZrW2O8 using in situ and recovered samples

High-energy x-ray diffraction data from a series of amorphous ZrW 2O8 samples, recovered from a number of different pressures, have been measured and compared with similar data collected from a sample contained within a diamond anvil cell and measured in situ at high pressure. Samples at lower pressures are a mix of crystalline and amorphous phases, whereas those above 7 GPa (both recovered and in situ) appear to be completely amorphous. Although there are only very small changes in the diffraction data from the pure phase samples recovered from different pressures, larger changes are observed in situ as a function of pressure. However, the same structural model can be used to describe all data, albeit using different densities. This strongly suggests that the amorphous phase is undergoing nonreconstructive compression in this pressure range, without fundamental modification of the underlying topology. © 2011 American Physical Society

The TRANSCEND University Consortium: An Overview

The UK government is committed to nuclear energy having an important role in delivering a secure, low-carbon and affordable energy future. Projections indicate that between now and 2035, 14 GW of new nuclear generating capacity may be built. Successful delivery of this strategy recognises the need for research and development, skills development and international collaboration as key enablers. One key area is the decommissioning and clean-up of all civil nuclear licensed sites and the implementation of geological disposal of highly active wastes, with a central component being a joined-up approach to nuclear R&D across government, industry and academia which benefits the UK economy and ensures the security of supply. Essential to public acceptance of this strategy remains a demonstrable ability to safely manage and dispose of waste, with acceptance directly linked to having scientifically robust routes for its safe clean-up and disposal. There therefore remains an ongoing need for further research in the areas of decommissioning, immobilisation and management of nuclear waste, and there is significant government and stakeholder support for such research. Given the needs of both new nuclear power generation and legacy wastes, there is a requirement to develop innovative approaches to waste management and decommissioning. Following on from earlier, highly successful projects supported by UK Research and Innovation’s Energy Programme, the work of the TRANSCEND (Transformative Science and Engineering for Nuclear Decommissioning) consortium is part of the response to these needs, providing support to a strong and internationally leading group of researchers in this key technology area. The consortium is a collaboration between 11 universities, supported by 8 key industry partners, with a total funding of £9.5M from the UK Engineering and Physical Research Council, the universities and key project partners. The research being carried out is multidisciplinary and covers both fundamental and applied topics, with 40 research projects clustered in four technical themes: integrated waste management; site decommissioning and remediation; spent fuels; and nuclear materials. Key aims of the consortium are to extend and further develop a relevant academic skill base in the UK associated with the needs of nuclear waste management and decommissioning, to train the next generation of UK researchers, equipping them with skills and experiences relevant to nuclear waste management and decommissioning issues, and to carry out cutting-edge research that has the potential to provide new and innovative pathways to better management of both legacy and future nuclear wastes