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Local aging effects in PuB 4 : Growing inhomogeneity and slow dynamics of local field fluctuations probed by 239 Pu NMR

Plutonium-based correlated electron materials host exotic physical phenomena ranging from unconventional heavy-fermion superconductivity to topological Kondo insulating states. Self-irradiation damage can influence many properties of such radioactive materials. Structural disorder effects due to α radiation have been frequently studied using techniques such as transport, thermodynamics, and x-ray diffraction. Here, in this study, we use 239 Pu nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) to study the long-term influence of self-damage on the lattice and local electronic structures in a single crystal of the candidate topological insulator plutonium tetraboride (PuB 4 ). We first characterize the anisotropy of the 239 Pu resonance and confirm the local axial-site symmetry inferred from previous polycrystalline measurements. Aging effects are then evaluated over the time frame of six years. We find that, though the static 239 Pu NMR spectra show a slight modulation in their shape, their field-rotation pattern reveals no change in 239 Pu local site symmetry over time, suggesting that aging has a surprisingly small impact on the spatial distribution of the static hyperfine field. Further, ligand-site 11 B NMR finds little time-dependent change in the size of electric field gradient around 11 B sites. By contrast, aging has a prominent impact on the 239 Pu NMR relaxation processes and signal intensity. Specifically, aging-induced damage manifests itself as an increase in the spin-lattice relaxation time 𝑇 1 , an increased distribution of 𝑇 1 , and a signal intensity that decreases linearly by 20% per year. An effective spin-spin relaxation time 𝑇 2,eff in the aged sample shortens drastically towards lower temperature, suggesting growth of slow fluctuations of the hyperfine field that are linked to radiation-damage-induced inhomogeneity. Our NMR study sheds light on the interplay of radiation damage and local magnetic interactions in correlated insulators.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

Including 238 U(n,f)/ 235 U(n,f) and 239 Pu(n,f)/ 235 U(n,f) NIFFTE fission TPC Cross-sections into the Neutron Data Standards Database

The primary purpose of this report is to document how the 238 U/ 235 U and 239 Pu/ 235 U neutron induced fission cross-section ratios, 238 U(n,f)/ 235 U(n,f) and 239 Pu(n,f)/ 235 U(n,f), respectively, measured by the NIFFTE fission Time Projection Chamber (fissionTPC) were included in the most recent database (termed GMA) underlying Neutron Data Standards (NDS) evaluations. This report shows and discusses NDS input files, and underlying assumptions regarding the uncertainty estimate and necessary for including these data. This uncertainty estimate and the resulting files were based on information provided by fissionTPC experimentalists, R.J.Casperson, N.S. Bowden, L. Snyder and K.T. Schmitt for the 238 U ratio, and by L. Snyder for the 239 Pu ratio. The fissionTPC data were included twice, by D. Neudecker and V. Pronyaev, to counter-check results and exclude possible mistakes in their inclusion. It is shown in both evaluations that including fissionTPC 239 Pu(n,f)/ 235 U(n,f) data points to a lower evaluated 239 Pu(n,f) cross section above 10 MeV than the currently released NDS data. This raises the question whether a part of a previous dataset by Tovesson et al., that was previously rejected above 13 MeV for having low values, should be included in the NDS evaluation after all. The evaluated 238 U(n,f) cross section only changes significantly close to the threshold. The impact on the 235 U(n,f) cross section is minimal. fissionTPC data reduce evaluated uncertainties on both observables by 0–12% of the GMA evaluated uncertainties. However, the currently released NDS data contain in addition to these GMA evaluated uncertainties “Unrecognized Sources of Uncertainties” (USU) of 1.2%. It needs to be further discussed within the NDS project, whether the new fissionTPC data should also reduce USU.

238U(n,f)/235U(n,f)↗

A Preliminary Investigation for the Use of Digital Gamma-Gamma Coincidence Spectrometry to Determine 239 Pu

Gamma-ray spectrometry is one of the most effective ways to determine the activity of 239 Pu, depending on activity levels. However, often high backgrounds in complex spectra with low amounts of 239 Pu can increase detection limits. The effectiveness of the use of gamma-gamma spectrometry in the characterization of 239 Pu was studied for the first time. Using the XIA Pixie-16 digital pulse processor, the gamma-gamma system was studied to establish unshielded background radiation, source to detector distances, Poisson statistics and gating of several gamma-rays from 239 Pu. The results clearly show that the distance between gamma ray spectrometers has a much bigger effort in counting statistics for the gamma-gamma coincidence detectors than a single detector. In addition, measurements demonstrated the background radiation to be virtually negligible, meaning gammagamma spectroscopy can still be very effective without requiring the usual lead shielding. Other measurements were taken to assure Poisson statistics were attained in the digital system. Preliminary measurements revealed 3 orders of magnitude background reduction for the measurement of 239 Pu using gated gamma-rays.

61 RADIATION PROTECTION AND DOSIMETRY↗

Fission xenon from extinct Pu-244 in 14,301.

Xenon extracted in step-wise heating of lunar breccia 14,301 contains a fission-like component in excess of that attributable to uranium decay during the age of the solar system. There seems to be no adequate source for this component other than Pu-244. Verification that this component is in fact due to the spontaneous fission of extinct Pu-244 comes from the derived spectrum which is similar to that observed from artificially produced Pu-244. It thus appears that Pu-244 was extant at the time lunar crustal material cooled sufficiently to arrest the thermal diffusion of xenon. Subsequent history has apparently maintained the isotopic integrity of plutonium fission xenon. Of major importance are details of the storage itself. Either the fission component is the result of in situ fission of Pu-244 and subsequent storage in 14,301 material, or the fission xenon was stored in an intermediate reservoir before incorporation into 14,301.

Drozd, R.↗

Thermal Conductivity Degradation in High Burnup U-Pu-Zr Fuel

Recent advancements in the characterization of irradiated U-Pu-Zr fuels have revealed complexities that challenge existing understanding of constituent redistribution. Traditionally, models have proposed three concentric regions within the fuel, each characterized by distinctive phases and porosity. However, through detailed analysis of high burnup U-Pu-Zr, we discovered the presence of four distinct constituent redistribution regions. Particularly novel is the observation of significant Pu redistribution, a previously unreported phenomenon that necessitates a reevaluation of current models. This work aims to delve deeper into these findings, seeking to correlate mesoscale measurements of thermal diffusivity and respective thermal conductivity with the phases present in each redistribution region. To achieve this objective, we employed mesoscale thermoreflectance methods using the unique, Idaho National Laboratory (INL) developed, Thermal Conductivity Microscope (TCM) at INL’s Irradiated Materials Characterization Laboratory. The TCM employs two tightly focused lasers: one for heating to generate periodic thermal waves in the substrate, and another spatially separated probe laser to detect changes in the optical reflectivity of the gold-coated substrate resulting from thermal wave diffusion. We conducted several thermal diffusivity measurements within each region of constituent redistribution of a U-19Pu-10Zr fuel pin cross section irradiated to 11 at. % burnup. The TCM measurement positions strategically aligned with transmission electron microscopy (TEM) lift-out locations previously collected from the fuel sample. Complementary microstructural analysis techniques such as optical and scanning electron microscopy (OM/SEM), electron probe microanalysis for chemical compositions, and TEM-based selective area electron diffraction (SAED) analysis for crystallographic insights into each phase were also utilized. This comprehensive approach allowed us to correlate local thermal diffusivity data with microstructural characteristics, enabling the computation of local thermal conductivity at each position. The significance of this contribution lies in its pioneering use of the TCM for ternary fuel mesoscale examination, shedding light on the previously overlooked effects of Pu redistribution on local thermal conductivity. By informing current models capturing constituent redistribution and heat transfer, our findings pave the way for more accurate predictions of metallic fuel performance. Moreover, this work sets the stage for future comparisons with similar TCM examinations on U-19Pu-10Zr fuels at ultra-low burnup, facilitating a comprehensive understanding of thermal property changes across different burnup levels. Ultimately, our study not only enriches our understanding of the thermophysical properties of individual redistribution regions within U-Pu-Zr fuel but also offers valuable insights for the design and operational parameters of proposed next-generation fast reactors.

11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗

A critical analysis of U-Pu-Zr phase transitions using calorimetric, microstructural, and phase equilibria data

Metallic fuels consisting primarily of uranium, plutonium, and zirconium (U-Pu-Zr) are a leading material candidate for fast-spectrum nuclear reactors. Early demonstration programs proved the principle of safe and efficient fast reactor operation, however there is still considerable uncertainty regarding the phase equilibria and microstructural evolution across the ternary composition space. Quantitative phase formation and identification measurements are scarce and often incomplete, with studies reporting either phase transition temperatures or phase identification data, but not both from the same specimens. In this study, we critically compared experimental and calculated phase transition data and correlated with the microstructure and phase characterization data of as-cast and annealed U-Pu-Zr alloys. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) was used to measure phase transitions in the subsolidus regions (723−948 K) of three ternary U-Pu-Zr alloys with similar plutonium concentrations but various U/Zr ratios. Due to sluggish kinetics and narrow ranges of phase stability, complex peaks required the use of a Frazier-Suzuki peak fitting algorithm to deconvolute and calculate transition peak temperatures and enthalpies. We also identified trends of phase transition behavior by critically comparing our DSC data with previous phase transition measurements as well as historical and calculated phase equilibrium diagrams. In conclusion, this provides a critical approach for benchmarking and assessing the quality of new U-Pu-Zr phase equilibria data prior to its incorporation into nuclear material databases.

11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗

Materials Data on Pu(N4O9)2 by Materials Project

Pu(NO3)6N2 crystallizes in the monoclinic P2_1/c space group. The structure is zero-dimensional and consists of four ammonia molecules and two Pu(NO3)6 clusters. In each Pu(NO3)6 cluster, Pu4+ is bonded in a cuboctahedral geometry to twelve O2- atoms. There are a spread of Pu–O bond distances ranging from 2.44–2.48 Å. There are three inequivalent N4+ sites. In the first N4+ site, N4+ is bonded in a trigonal planar geometry to three O2- atoms. There is one shorter (1.22 Å) and two longer (1.29 Å) N–O bond length. In the second N4+ site, N4+ is bonded in a trigonal planar geometry to three O2- atoms. There are a spread of N–O bond distances ranging from 1.22–1.29 Å. In the third N4+ site, N4+ is bonded in a trigonal planar geometry to three O2- atoms. There are a spread of N–O bond distances ranging from 1.21–1.30 Å. There are nine inequivalent O2- sites. In the first O2- site, O2- is bonded in a distorted single-bond geometry to one Pu4+ and one N4+ atom. In the second O2- site, O2- is bonded in a distorted single-bond geometry to one Pu4+ and one N4+ atom. In the third O2- site, O2- is bonded in a distorted single-bond geometry to one Pu4+ and one N4+ atom. In the fourth O2- site, O2- is bonded in a single-bond geometry to one N4+ atom. In the fifth O2- site, O2- is bonded in a distorted single-bond geometry to one Pu4+ and one N4+ atom. In the sixth O2- site, O2- is bonded in a distorted single-bond geometry to one Pu4+ and one N4+ atom. In the seventh O2- site, O2- is bonded in a single-bond geometry to one N4+ atom. In the eighth O2- site, O2- is bonded in a distorted single-bond geometry to one Pu4+ and one N4+ atom. In the ninth O2- site, O2- is bonded in a single-bond geometry to one N4+ atom.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Validation of MCNP Critical Benchmark Models of PU-MET-FAST-016

A new centralized repository of high-quality MCNP models of critical benchmark experiments is currently under development at Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL). The repository is the combined effort of the Nuclear Criticality Safety, Nuclear Data, and Monte Carlo code development/application organizations at LANL. The initial set of benchmark models in the repository are derived from the Whisper Suite provided with MCNP6.2 and are evaluated against the benchmark experiments described in the International Criticality Safety Benchmark Evaluation Project (ICSBEP) Handbook. The goal is to build a single LANL benchmark collection that is up to date with the latest ICSBEP revision, has a formal review and revision process, is contained in an open-source repository, and utilizes new Python tools for improved input and output file review. This paper describes the validation of the models associated with PU-MET-FAST-016, “Flooded 3X3X3 Arrays of 3-kg Plutonium (Pu) Metal Cylinders – Phase I”. In this critical experiment, twenty-seven 3-kg Pu metal cylinders with a height of 46.33 ± 0.15 mm and diameter of 65.25 ± 0.05 mm were arranged in a cubic array. The Pu cylinders were sealed in aluminum cans, and three cans were placed in each of nine perforated aluminum sleeves, as shown in Fig. 1. The nine sleeves were supported by an aluminum frame that allowed for control of the lateral spacing of the cylinders, both in the X and Y directions. The benchmark experiment measured thirteen configurations. Of these configurations, six were modeled using MCNP.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗

BRR Cask Use for Pu-238 Isotope Production

The Department of Energy (DOE), in partnership with its national laboratories and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), is responsible to produce Pu-238 isotope in the United States for use in space exploration. Major activities in the DOE complex are focused at Idaho National Laboratory (INL) and Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL). INL is responsible for storing Np-237 feedstock, irradiation qualification in the Advanced Test Reactor (ATR), and irradiating targets containing Np-237 to produce Pu-238. ORNL is responsible for target design, target fabrication, irradiation qualification in HFIR, and processing of targets to extract Pu-238 heat source material. A key part of the program lifecycle is moving irradiated targets from INL to ORNL. The BEA Research Reactor (BRR) cask was identified as a potential shipping cask for the transport of both unirradiated and irradiated targets between the project sites. This paper will discuss the production at INL and shipment of Pu-238 to ORNL using the BRR cask.

07 ISOTOPE AND RADIATION SOURCES↗

Pu-238 Production Progress at Idaho National Laboratory From December 2023 to November 2024

Idaho National Laboratory (INL) has continued in the effort to produce Pu-238 to support NASA deep space missions. In support of the production goal of contributing 700 g to the 1.5 kg per year constant rate production of Pu-238 heat source material in the United States by 2026. All available inner core positions of the Advanced Test Reactor (ATR) have been qualified for production for a 20% Np target, with efforts nearing completion for a 30% Np target further increasing production amounts. This includes the North East Flux Trap (NEFT), South Flux Trap (SFT), Inner A, H positions. With the completion of qualifying the inner core of ATR, work has started on the qualifying the outer core. The portion of the outer core that will produce Pu-238 includes the Large and Medium I positions. With the continued qualification work, INL is on track to contribute to the production goal by 2026.

07 - ISOTOPES AND RADIATION SOURCES↗

Molar Absorptivities of U(VI), U(IV), and Pu(III) in Nitric Acid Solutions of Various Concentrations Relevant to Developing Nuclear Fuel Recycling Flowsheets

Testing of a co-decontamination (CoDCon) tributyl phosphate (TBP) based solvent extraction flowsheet is being performed to optimize conditions for achieving a target U/Pu ratio in the Pu-containing product. The flowsheet is designed to directly produce a mixture of U and Pu with a U/Pu mass ratio of 7/3. The system is monitored in real time using optical spectroscopy, which allows for control of the U/Pu ratio in the aqueous U/Pu nitrate product. On-line spectrophotometric monitoring of the aqueous stream at the reductive stripping step involves determination of U(VI), U(IV) and Pu(III) concentrations and relies on molar absorptivities of these species in nitric acid at a number of wavelengths corresponding to their peaks’ maxima. The magnitudes of these molar absorptivities are a sensitive function of nitric acid concentration and have to be determined as precisely as possible using an off-line spectrophotometry under well controlled conditions. This step (called training set acquisition) is typically performed not in a high contamination area of radiological glovebox where flow-through cells and other on-line equipment are installed but in a less aggressive environment of a radiological fume hood with much better control of stock solutions quality, dilution factors, optical absorbance scale calibration, etc. This is followed by the calibration transfer between the off-line instrument and the instrument deployed during extraction and stripping runs. This paper reports values of molar absorptivities of U(VI), U(IV), and Pu(III) in nitric acid solution of 0.5 M to 4 M concentration and compares them with available technical literature data. Results of off-line spectrophotometric analysis of selected aqueous grab samples from one of CoDCon runs show satisfactory agreement with total uranium and plutonium concentrations determined in the same samples by ICP-MS.

Sinkov, Sergey I.↗

Use of Compton suppression gamma ray spectrometry to determine 239 Pu

We report 239 Pu has been characterized by gamma-ray spectroscopy for a level higher than the usual environmental ones typically needing alpha spectrometry, ICP-MS or TIMS. The higher activities typically have applications in reprocessing, safeguards verification, and nuclear forensics. For activities of hundreds of Bq/g, it is possible to use gamma ray spectrometry for 239 Pu characterization. A soil reference standard of 185 Bq/g (75 ng/g) was measured on a 79% efficient HPGe with a digital Compton suppression system. The ratios of the counting statistics for suppressed and unsuppressed uncertainties for various 239 Pu photopeaks were determined. The effects of self-attenuation on the low energy gamma rays were evaluated, and it was determined that Compton suppression was an effective characterization method of 239 Pu after accounting for self-attenuation.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗

Enhanced Pu emission with solution-loaded laser ablation modified sources (SLLAMS) for thermal ionization mass spectrometry

This study presents a new approach to filament modification by laser ablation for analysis of femtograms of plutonium (Pu) by thermal ionization mass spectrometry (TIMS). This method simplifies the often rigorous and labor-intensive sample loading necessary for low-level analyses by TIMS with solution-loaded laser ablation modified sources (SLLAMS). By applying a para-film coating to the surface of the filament and then ablating through the film to reveal metal beneath, a point source is created. A solution containing ppt-levels of Pu can then be applied over the ablated region, dried slowly into the crater, and then carburized. All analyses were made by multiple ion counting system of a Nu Instruments TIMS. Furthermore, we report errors of 10% 2σ for 240 Pu/ 239 Pu of CRM-137 samples totaling 5 – 7 femtograms (fg; 1E-15 g) with an average sample utilization efficiency of 1.3%. Results from SLLAMS demonstrate an improvement in precision, accuracy and ease of use over resin bead loads.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗

A noncollinear density functional theory ansatz for the phononic and thermodynamic properties of α -Pu

Plutonium's phase diagram is host to complex structures and interactions that make the description of its ground state properties elusive. Using all-electron density functional theory calculations, we study the thermodynamic properties of α-Pu. To do this, we build on recent work in the literature by introducing a novel noncollinear magnetic ansatz for α-Pu's ground state. We show that the noncollinear ansatz improves the description of the experimental phonon density of states, heat capacity, and thermal expansion over previous results obtained with a collinear ansatz. Here, despite lacking a bond-equivalent picture of the bonding, these new results for α-Pu, along with recent results on δ-Pu, demonstrate the efficacy of noncollinear ansatzes for the description of plutonium.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Rapid analysis of 237 Np and Pu isotopes in unseparated sample matrices using ICP-MS/MS

Inductively coupled plasma tandem mass spectrometry (ICP-MS/MS) is an emerging technique for measuring actinide isotopes when assessing pre- and post- detonation nuclear material. In this study, ICP-MS/MS was investigated for direct Np and Pu quantitation in unseparated, dissolved bulk soil matrices. To achieve this, purified nitric oxide (NO) was investigated for the reactivity of Th, Np, U, Pu, Am, and Cm. Purifying NO prior to the collision reaction cell (CRC) results in increased sensitivity and allows for higher gas flows to be utilized for the removal of interferences. Here, the interference from uranium hydrides was mitigated to less than 3.85 x 10 -11 . This method was demonstrated on standard reference materials which were measured for 237 Np and 238,239,240 Pu in dilute sample digestions. The 238 Pu measurement was validated by spiking into a standard reference material and was accurately measured with an excess of 85000 of 238 U.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗

UV–Vis–NIR Reflectance Spectroscopy and Chemometrics for Monitoring Pu Directly on an Ion Exchange Column

Here, we present a fiber-optic UV–vis–NIR reflectance spectroscopy method for direct, noninvasive monitoring of Pu(IV) in a glass ion exchange column during dynamic loading and elution in a glovebox. A movable probe enables spatially resolved spectral acquisition along the column axis, capturing distinct features associated with Pu(IV) nitrate complexes during loading and free ions during elution. Principal component analysis was applied to extract the dominant spectral variance and resolve relative concentration profiles without requiring precise knowledge of optical penetration depth or species identity. This in situ approach reveals spatial gradients and speciation dynamics in real time, which provides actionable insight into Pu(IV) ion migration, resin saturation, and breakthrough behavior under evolving flow conditions. The method offers a practical, fiber-compatible strategy to monitor glass column–based separations for Pu and other lanthanides or actinides and to characterize metal–resin interactions in flow-through systems.

actinide↗

Elucidation of an Unusually Long Pu–N Bond in a Plutonium(III)-Tetrazolate Complex

Four trivalent, f-element tetrazolate hydrate complexes [M(H 2 O) 9 ](Hdtb) 3 ·nH 2 O (Nd1, n = 7 and Pu1, n = 9; dtb 2– = 1,3-di(tetrazolate-5-yl)benzene) and [M(Hdtb)(H 2 O) 8 ](dtb)·11H 2 O (Nd2 and Pu2) were prepared using metathesis reactions. These complexes contain hydrated M(III) cations, but in the latter complexes, Nd2 and Pu2, one of the water molecules has been displaced by a long interaction between the M(III) cation and a Hdtb – anion. Notably, the Pu(III)–N bond in Pu2, representing the longest IX Pu(III)–N ( IX = nine coordinate) bond reported has a length of 2.8338(15) Å and is slightly shorter than the Nd(III)–N bond length of 2.8425(13) Å in Nd2. Analysis of bond lengths, Wiberg bond indices (WBI), natural localized molecular orbitals (NLMOs), and quantum theory of atoms in molecules (QTAIM) reveals that the metal contribution to the Pu(III)–N bond is marginally greater than that of the Pu(III)–OH 2 bonds in Pu2 and the Nd(III)–N bond in Nd2. Thus, this rather long M–N interaction provides an example where the expectation that An(III) compounds exhibit greater covalency with soft donor ligands compared to harder ligands fails. Furthermore, the absorption spectra of Pu1 and Pu2 further support this observation, highlighting a surprising degree of similarity in their electronic structures.

Covalent bonding↗

Synthesis and Characterization of Layered Actinide (U, Np, Pu) Oxide and Hydroxide Phases

Systematic structural comparisons across the early actinides remain limited by the scarcity of well-defined transuranic layered oxide and oxyhydroxide phases. Here, we report the synthesis and single-crystal characterization of new layered actinide compounds spanning U, Np, and Pu obtained under mild hydrothermal conditions in concentrated alkali hydroxide media. These include hydrated oxides α-Cs 2 U 2 O 7 •0.5H 2 O and Rb 2 An 2 O 7 •0.5H 2 O (An = Np, Pu), oxy-hydroxides Rb 6 [(AnO 2 ) 6 O 8 (OH) 2 ]•xH 2 O x = 0, 0.5 (An = U, Np) and Rb 4 [(UO 2 ) 5 O 6 (OH) 2 ]•2H 2 O, as well as nitrate-intercalated compounds Cs 6 [(AnO 2 ) 3 O 4 (OH) 2 ](NO 3 ) 2 (An = Np, Pu). Single-crystal X-ray diffraction studies reveal extended two-dimensional architectures constructed from edge- and vertex-sharing actinyl polyhedra, with systematic evolution in equatorial coordination, hydration, and anionic sheet topology across the U–Np–Pu series. Incorporation of nitrate anions within the interlayer region of Cs 6 [(AnO 2 ) 3 O 4 (OH) 2 ](NO 3 ) 2 establishes a previously unobserved structural motif in layered transuranic oxyhydroxides, demonstrating an additional pathway for anion-mediated framework stabilization. Correlation of crystallographic metrics with single-crystal Raman spectroscopy provides new vibrational benchmarks linking differences in An═O yl bond lengths to the equatorial coordination and the interstitial cations. These findings expand the structural hierarchy of layered actinide materials and address clarifying periodic trends governing topology, bonding, and vibrational signatures in high-valent 5ƒ oxide systems.

actinides↗