Neutron Activation of Nanoparticles

Abstract

Neutron activation of nanoparticles (NPs) can be a valid method to create radioactive NPs for biological and environmental tracers studies in a way that permits to overcome problems of high natural background of chemically equivalent materials in such matrices. Activation of NPs by neutron flux is mainly performed by exposing the NPs to the intense neutron flux of a nuclear research reactor. The activity level obtained can yield high concentrations, tipically in the range of 1–100 MBq per mg of NPs. Other methods can be used but yield lower activity concentrations. This chapter reviews some of the work that has been done at IHCP/JRC Ispra and elsewhere in the field of neutron activation of NPs.JRC.I.4-Nanobioscience