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      Questram-R  Secció de Química Analítica UB
Determinació de radioactivitat sense generació de residus: microesferes d'escintil·lador plàstic
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 PSm and PSresin

Plastic Scintillation Microspheres (PSm) are a solid solution of fluorescent solutes in a polymeric solvent in for of microspheres with a diameter that can vary from few micrometers to hundreds of micrometers.

PSm can be used for detection of alpha and beta-emitting radionuclides with some advantages with regard other detection techniques due to the fact of being solid and polymeric:
                            • It can be used in continuous detectors by placing the PSm in a cell. The sample can pass through the cell without need of supply of reagents.
                            • The measurement using PSm does not produce mixed wastes (hazardous and radioactive) since PSm are inert and cannot react. 
                            • The measurement of salty samples is stable. 
                            • Selective extractive molecules can be attached to its surface (PSresins) and therefore the extraction of the radionuclide and measurement can be performed all in the same vial reducing time and needs of reagents for elution. 
                            • PSm can be stored very long times since as being polymeric it degradation is very slow.

Selective plastic scintillators when irradiated with U.V. light can be also consider as selective fluorescent polymers (SFP) and this is the basis of new applications for the analysis of non-radioactive contaminats. In this sense, the members of the group in collaboration with Dra. Merce Granados are working in the development of a no-reagents/no-waste detection system of phosphates in water based on SFP. 

The main millstones achieved during this time have been:
                            • A detailed description of the mechanism of measurement identifying the sources of quenching and detection efficiencies for radionuclides of common use.
                            • Development of a prototype of continuous detector of radioactivity for river water. 
                            • Production of PSm and C-PS at medium scale (range of kg). 
                            • Polymeric scintillating foils and microspheres for the absorption and measurement of 222Rn. 
                            • Development of PSresins for the selective extraction and measurement of radionuclides (90Sr,210Pb, 99Tc, 126Sn, 63Ni) in different kind of samples (water, sea water, brass, milk, nuclear waste...).

 

Group Members: Alex Tarancón, Héctor Bagán, Arnau Coma,  Isaac Giménez and Xavier Mendo


  

News


  • The members of the team participate on the project "PSkits for ultrafast on-site selective screening of dominant radionuclides in nuclear decommissioning (PSKITS)" PDC2021-120868-I00. This project correspond to the 2021 call of the program "Pruebas de Concepto" of the Spanish Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación. Project PDC2021-120868-I00 is financed by Spanish Science and Innovation Ministery MCIN/AEI /10.13039/501100011033 and by European Union under Next GenerationEU program.

    Project PDC2021-120868-I00 financed by Spanish Science and Innovation Ministery MCIN/AEI /10.13039/501100011033 and by European Union under Next GenerationEU program

  • The members of the team participate on the project "New tools to support decision making in complex scenarios affected by the presence of radionuclides" PID2020-114551RB-I00. This project correspond to the 2020 call of the program "Proyectos de I+D+i Retos Investigación" of the Spanish Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación. Project PID2020-114551RB-I00 is financed by Spanish Science and Innovation Ministery MCIN/ AEI/10.13039/501100011033.

Project PID2020-114551RB-I00 financed by MCIN/ AEI/10.13039/501100011033



Publications 


  • X. Mendo, E. Antoñanzas, H. Bagán, A. Tarancón Ultra-fast, selective and pseudo-quantitative analysis of 99Tc in nuclear waste for screening purposes. Journal of Hazardous Materials, Volume 480, 135796. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.135796. 2024.
  • A. Coma, H. Bagán, A. Tarancón Preparation and evaluation of crosslinked plastic scintillation microspheres (CPSm). Polymer Testing, Volume 137, 108514. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.polymertesting.2024.108514. 2024.
  • D. Serraïma-López, M. Guillén, H. Bagán, A. Tarancón Scintillation and structural properties of copolymers and mixtures of styrene, 9-vinylcarbazole and 4-vinylbenzyl chloride based plastic scintillators. Applied Radiation and Isotopes, Volume 211, 111409. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apradiso.2024.111409. 2024.
  • E. Baudat, C. Gautier, H. Bagán, A. Tarancón, C. Colin, E. Laporte, P. Fichet.Optimization of a new radiochemical method based on extraction chromatographic resins and plastic scintillation for measurement of 90Sr in nuclear waste. Journal of Radioanalytical and Nuclear Chemistry, Volume 333, 1911-1925. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10967-024-09396-8. 2024.
  • I. Llopart-Babot, M. Vasile, A. Dobney, B. Russell, S. Kolmogorova, S. Boden, M. Bruggeman, M. Leermakers, J. Qiao, V. De Souza, A. Tarancón, H. Bagán, P. Warwick. A comparison of different approaches for the analysis of 36Cl in graphite samples. Applied Radiation and Isotopes, Volume 202, 111046. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apradiso.2023.111046. 2023.
  • I. Giménez, J. Rotger, E. Apellániz, H. Bagán, J. Tent, A. Rigol, A. Tarancón. A new method based on selective fluorescent polymers (PSresin) for the analysis of 90Sr in presence of 210Pb in environmental samples. Applied Radiation and Isotopes, Volume 199, 110879. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apradiso.2023.110879. 2023.
  • I. Giménez, H. Bagán, A. Tarancón. Fast analysis of gross alpha with a new plastic scintillation resin. Analytica Chimica Acta, Volume 1248, 340905. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aca.2023.340905. 2023.
  • J. Martínez, M. de los Cobos, A. Peñalver, A. Tarancón, I. Giménez, H. Bagán, C. Aguilar, F. Borrull. Simultaneous determination of 210Pb and 90Sr and 210Po isolation in sludge samples using a plastic scintillation resin. Applied Radiation and Isotopes, Volume 192, 110601. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apradiso.2022.110601. 2023.
  • I. Llopart-Babot, M. Vasile, A. Tarancón, H. Bagán, A. Dobney, S. Boden, M. Bruggeman, M. Leermakers, J. Qiao, P. Warwick. Investigation of a new approach for 36Cl determination in solid samples using plastic scintillators. Applied Radiation and Isotopes, 193, 110646. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apradiso.2022.110646.2023.
  • Torres, I. Giménez, H. Bagán, A. Tarancón. Analysis of isotopes of plutonium in water samples with a PSresin based on aliquat·336. Applied Radiation and Isotopes, 187, 110333. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apradiso.2022.110333. 2022.
  • A. Tarancón, O. Novella, M. Pujadas, M. Batlle, J. Cros, J.F. García. Development of an equipment for real-time continuous monitoring of alpha and beta radioactivity in river water. Applied Radiation and Isotopes, 187,110322. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apradiso.2022.110322. 2022.
  • Giménez, I.; Bagán, H.; Tarancón, A.; García., J.F. PSresin for the analysis of alpha-emitting radionuclides: Comparison of diphosphonic acid-based extractants. Applied Radiation and Isotopes, 178,109969.  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apradiso.2021.109969. 2021.
  • Tarancón, A., Bagán, H., García, J.F. Plastic Scintillators in Environmental Analysis. In: Hamel, M. (eds) Plastic Scintillators. Topics in Applied Physics, vol 140. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-73488-6_13. 2021.
  • L’Annunziata, M.A; Tarancón,A.; Bagán, H.; García, J.F. Chapter 6:Liquid scintillation analysis: principles and practice. Editor(s): M. F. L'Annunziata,
    Handbook of Radioactivity Analysis (Fourth Edition).     Academic Press ISBN 9780128143971. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-814397-1.00006-6. 2020
  • Marina Sáez-Muñoz, M.; Bagán, H.; Tarancón, A.; García, J.F.; Ortiz, J.; Carlos, S.; Martorell, S. Rapid methods for radiostrontium determination in aerosol filters and vegetation in emergency situations using PS resin . Journal of Radioanalytical and Nuclear Chemistry, 322:1397-1408. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10967-019-06779-0. 2019.
  • Bagán, H.; Serra, J.; Tent, J.; Tarancón, A., García, J.F. Active teaching strategies for introducing radioanalytical techniques in analytical chemistry master degree: 40K determination in Bananas . Journal of Radioanalytical and Nuclear Chemistry, 322, 1905-1914. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10967-019-06784-3. 2019
  • Coma, A., Tarancón, A., Bagán, H. García, J.F. Automated separation of 99Tc using plastic scintillation resin PSresin and openview automated modular separation system (OPENVIEW-AMSS). . Journal of Radioanalytical and Nuclear Chemistry, Volume 321, Issue 1, pp 207–215,1057-1065, 2019
  • Villarroya, I; Ferradal, A. ; Bagán, H.; Tarancón, A.; García, J.F. Development and evaluation of a plastic scintillating resin for radioactive tin determination .Journal of Radioanalytical and Nuclear Chemistry, Volume 321, Issue 1, pp 207–215, 2019
  • Merín, R; Tarancón; Mitev, K.; Georgiev, S.; Dutsov, Ch.; Bagán, H.; García, J.F.; Evaluation of synthesis conditions for plastic scintillation foils used to measure alpha- and beta-emitting radionuclides. Journal of Radioanalytical and Nuclear Chemistry. 319, 1, 135–145, 2019. 
  • Marina Sáez-Muñoz, M.; Bagán, H.; Tarancón, A.; García, J.F.; Ortiz, J.; Martorell, S. Rapid method for radiostrontium determination in milk in emergency situations using PS resin. Journal of Radioanalytical and Nuclear Chemistry. 315, 543–555. 2018
  • Pelay, E.; Tarancón, A.; Mitev, K.; Dutsov, C.; Georgiev, S.; Tsankov, L.; García, J.F. Synthesis and characterisation of scintillating microspheres made of polystyrene/polycarbonate for 222Rn measurements. Journal of Radioanalytical and Nuclear Chemistry, 314, 2, 637-649. 2017.
  • Tarancón, A.; Bagán, H.; García, J.F. Plastic scintillators and related analytical procedures for radionuclide analysis. Journal of Radioanalytical and Nuclear Chemistry, 314, 2, 555-572. 2017.
  • Barrera, J.; Tarancón, A.; Bagán, H.; García, J.F. A new plastic scintillation resin for single-step separation, concentration and measurement of technetium-99. Analytica Chimica Acta.: 936, 259-266.2016. 
  • Lluch, E.; Barrera, J.; Tarancón, A.; Bagán, H.; García, J. F. Analysis of 210Pb in water samples with plastic scintillation resins. Analytica Chimica Acta, 940, 38-45. 2016. 
  • Mitev, k.; Dimitrova, I.; Tarancón, T.; Pressyanov, D.; Tsankov, L.; Boshkova, T.; Georgiev, S.; Sekalova, R.; García, J.F. Pilot Study of the Application of Plastic Scintillation Microspheres to Rn-222 Detection and Measurement. IEEE Transactions on Nuclear Science, 63, 2, 1209-1217, 2016. 
  • Santiago, L.M; Tarancón, A.; García, J.F. Influence of preparation parameters on the synthesis of plastic scintillation microspheres and evaluation of sample preparation. Advanced Powder Technology 27, 4, 1309-1317, 2016. 
  • Santiago, L.; Tarancón, A.; Bagán, H.; García, J.F. Production of polystyrene-based scintillation microspheres for the measurement of radioactivity by spray-drying. Journal of Radioanalytical and Nuclear Chemistry,789-799.2016. 
  • Tarancón, A.; Novella, O.; Batlle, M.; Pujadas, M.; Cros, J.; García, J.G. Robustness of plastic scintillation microspheres in the continuous measurement of different river waters. Applied Radiation and Isotopes, 114,145-153.2016.
  • L.M. Santiago, Y. Masmoudi, A. Tarancón, R. Djerafi, H. Bagán, J.F. García, E. Badens, Polystyrene based sub-micron scintillating particles produced by supercritical anti-solvent precipitation, The Journal of Supercritical Fluids, 103, 18-27. 2015. 
  • A. Tarancón, J. Barrera, L.M. Santiago, H. Bagán, J.F. García, Application of the CIEMAT–NIST method to plastic scintillation microspheres. Applied Radiation and Isotopes, 98, 13-22. 2015. 
  • H. Bagán, A. Tarancón, L. Ye, J.F. García. Crosslinked plastic scintillators: A new detection system for radioactivity measurement in organic and aggressive media. Analytica Chimica Acta, 852, 13-19, 2014. 
  • L. Santiago, A. Tarancón, H. Bagán, J.F. García. Synthesis of plastic scintillation microspheres: Alpha/beta discrimination. Applied Radiation and Isotopes, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.apradiso.2014.04.002. 2014. 
  • H. Bagán, B. Aboudou, A. Tarancón, J. F. García. Alpha/beta indices determination in drinking water using plastic scintillation and evaporation to dryness. Journal of Radioanalytical and Nuclear Chemistry, 299, 1, 533-542. 2014. 
  • L.M. Santiago, H. Bagán, A. Tarancón, G. Rauret, J.F. García. Systematic study of particle quenching in organic scintillators. Nuclear Instruments and Methods in Physics Research Section A: Accelerators, Spectrometers, Detectors and Associated Equipment, 698, 11, 26-36. 2013. 
  • L. M. Santiago, H. Bagán, A. Tarancón, J. F. García. Synthesis of Plastic Scintillation Microspheres. Evaluation of Scintillators. Nuclear Instruments & Methods in Physics Research Section A: Accelerators Spectrometers Detectors and Associated Equipment, 698, 106 -116. 2013 
  • H. Bagán, A. Tarancón, G. Rauret, J.F. García. Determination of oil reservoir radiotracer (S14CN-) in a single step using a Plastic Scintillator extractive resin. Analytica Chimica Acta, 766, 30-35. 2012. 
  • Tarancón, E. Marín, J. Tent, G. Rauret, J.F. García. Evaluation of a reflective coating for an organic scintillation detector. Nuclear Instruments and Methods in Physics Research A: Accelerators Spectrometers Detectors and Associated Equipment, 674, 92-98. 2012. 
  • H. Bagán, A. Tarancón, G. Rauret, J.F. García. Radiostrontium separation and measurement in a single step using plastic scintillators plus selective extractants. Application to aqueous sample analysis. Analytica Chimica Acta, 686, 1-2, 50-56. 2011. 
  • H. Bagán, A. Tarancón, G. Rauret, J.F. García. Mixture quantification using PLS in plastic scintillation measurements. Applied Radiation and Isotopes. 69, 6, 898 -903. 2011. 
  • Tarancón, K. Kossert. Application of a free parameter model to plastic scintillation samples. Nuclear Instruments and Methods in Physics Research Section A: Accelerators, Spectrometers, Detectors and Associated Equipment, 648, 1, 124-131. 2011. 
  • H. Bagán, A. Tarancón, G. Rauret, J.F. García. Alpha/beta pulse shape discrimination in plastic scintillation using commercial scintillation detectors. Analytica Chimica Acta, 670, 1-2, 11-17. 2010. 
  • H. Bagán, S. Hartvig, A. Tarancón, G. Rauret, J.F. García. Plastic vs. Liquid Scintillation for 14C radiotracers determination in high salt matrices. Analytica Chimica Acta, 631, 2, 229-236. 2009. 
  • H. Bagán, A. Tarancón, G. Rauret, J.F. García. Classical vs. evolved quenching parameters and procedures in Scintillation measurements: The importance of the ionization quenching. Nuclear Instruments & Methods in Physics Research Section A: Accelerators Spectrometers Detectors and Associated Equipment, 592, 3, 361-368. 2008. 
  • A. Tarancón, J.F. García, G. Rauret. First approach to radionuclide mixtures quantification by using plastic scintillators. Influence of plastic beads diameter. Analytica Chimica Acta, 590, 2, 232-238. 2007. 
  • A. Tarancón, J.F. García, G. Rauret. Development of a radiochemical sensor: Part 1. Feasibility study. Analytica Chimica Acta, 538, 1-2, 233-239. 2005. 
  • A. Tarancón, J.F. García, G. Rauret. Development of a radiochemical sensor: Part 2. Application to liquid effluents. Analytica Chimica Acta, 538, 1-2, 241-249. 2005. 
  • A. Tarancón, J.F. García, G. Rauret. Determination of beta emitters (90Sr, 14C, 3H) in routine measurements using plastic scintillation. Nuclear Instruments & Methods in Physics Research Section A:Accelerators Spectrometers Detectors and Associated Equipment, 516, 2-3, 602-609. 2004.
  • A. Tarancón, J.F. García, G. Rauret. Reusability of plastic scintillators used in beta emitters activity determination. Applied Radiation and Isotopes, 59, 5-6, 373-376. 2003. 
  • A. Tarancón, J.F. García, G. Rauret. Mixed waste reduction in radioactivity determination by using plastic scintillators. Analytica Chimica Acta, 463, 125-134. 2002. 
  • A. Tarancón, E. Alonso, J.F. García, G. Rauret. Comparative study quenching correction procedures for Sr-90/Y90 determination by Cerenkov, liquid scintillation and plastic scintillation techniques. Analytica Chimica Acta, 471, 1, 135-143. 2002.

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Conferences

  • Torralba, I.; Bagán, H.; Esisenhofer, J.; Tarancón, A.; Garcia, J.F. Benin sculptures dating: Contribution of scintillation techniques to the restitution of cultural heritage objects. Invited conference to 2nd International Conference on Radioanalytical and Nuclear Chemistry (RANC 2019). Budapest, Hungary. 2019
  • Sáez-Muñoz, M.; Bagán, H.; Tarancón, A.; Garcia, J.F.; Ortiz, J.; Martorell S. Rapid methods for radiostrontium determination in aerosol filters and vegetation in emergency situations using PS resin. Oral conference to 2nd International Conference on Radioanalytical and Nuclear Chemistry (RANC 2019). Budapest, Hungary. 2019
  • Tarancón, A.; Coma, A.; Wu, X.; Grau, C. ; Bagán, H.; García, J.F.. New proposals based on plastic scintillators for automated, quick and simple radionuclide activity determination. Oral. 13th International Symposium on Nuclear and Environmental Radiochemical Analysis: ERA13 Cambridge 2018. 
  • Tarancón, A.; Bagán, H.; García, J .F. Plastic scintillators and related analytical proposals for radionuclide analysis. Invited Oral. LSC2017 Advances in Liquid Scintillation Spectrometry. Copenhagen, Denmak. 2017 
  • Saéz-Muñoz. M; Tarancón, A.; Bagán, H.; García, J .F.; Ortiz, J.; Martorell, S. 89Sr/90Sr determination in milk in emergency situations by using PSresins. Oral. LSC2017 Advances in Liquid Scintillation Spectrometry Copenhagen, Denmak. 2017 
  • Tarancón, A.; Bagán, H.; García, J .F. PSresins for the characterization of nuclear wastes: application to 126Sn and 63Ni. Oral. LSC2017 Advances in Liquid Scintillation Spectrometry. Copenhagen, Denmak. 2017 
  • Barrera, J.; Tarancón, A.; Bagán, H.; García, J .F. A new plastic scintillation resin for single-step separation, concentration and measurement of 99Tc. Oral. NRC-9: Conference on Nuclear and Radiochemistry, Helsinki, Finland. 2016 
  • Lluch, E.; Barrera, J.; Tarancón, A.; Bagán, H.; García, J .F. Analysis of 210Pb in water samples with plastic scintillation resins. Oral. First International Conference on Radioanalytical and Nuclear Chemistry (RANC-2016) Budapest, Hungary. 2016 
  • Bagán, H.; Tarancón, A.; Ye, L.; García, J.F.Activity determination of alpha and beta emitters in organic and aqueous aggressive media by crosslinked plastic scintillators (C-PS). Poster. First International Conference on Radioanalytical and Nuclear Chemistry (RANC-2016) Budapest, Hungary. 2016 
  • Mitev, K.; Dimitrova, I.; Tarancón, A.; Pressyanov, D.; Tsankov, L.; Boshkova, T.; Georgiev, G.; Sekalova, J.; García, J.F. Pilot study of the application of plastic scintillation microspheres to Rn-222 detection and measurement. Oral. 2015 IEEE Nuclear Science Symposium and Medical Imaging Conference. San Diego, EEUU. 2015 
  • Tarancón, A.; Santiago, L.; Bagán, H.; García, J.F. Plastic Scintillation microspheres for the measurements of radioactivity. Oral Invited. Clausura de la tercera edició del concurs VALORTEC. Barcelona, Spain. 2014 
  • Santiago, L.; Tarancón, A.; Bagán, H.; García, J. F. Synthesis of Plastic Scintillation microspheres: composition evaluation and alpha/beta discrimination capabilities. Oral. Advances in Liquid Scintillation Spectrometry (LSC2013). Barcelona, Spain. 2013 
  • Bagán, H.; Tarancón, A.; Stavsetra, L.; Rauret, G.; García, J. F. Determination of oil reservoir radiotracer (S14CN-) in a single step using a plastic scintillator extractive resin. Oral. Advances in Liquid Scintillation Spectrometry (LSC2013). Barcelona, Spain. 2013 A. 
  • Tarancón; H. Bagán, L. Santiago and J. F. García. Development and applications of the plastic scintillators for the measurement of radioactivity. Oral Invited. Liquid Scintillation user meeting. Madrid, Spain. 2013 
  • Tarancón, A.; Novella, O.; Pujadas, M.; Cros, J.; Rauret, G.; García, J.F. A sensor for the continuous monitoring of alpha and beta radionuclides in Ebro River. Oral. Low Level Measurement Techniques Working Group of the International Committee for Radionuclide Metrology (ICRM-LLRMT-12). Jeju, South Korea. 2012 
  • Tarancón, A.; Santiago, L.; Bagán, H.; García, J.F. Mechanism under the measurements with PSm: Montecarlo simulation and TDCR and Ciemat-Nist methods applied to PSm. Oral. Meeting of the ICRM Liquid Scintillation Counting Working Group. Braunschweig, Germany. 2012 
  • Tarancón A.; Bagán, H.; Kossert, K.; Nähle. O.; Application of a free parameter model to plastic scintillation samples. Oral. Advances in Liquid Scintillation Spectrometry (LSC2010). París, France. 2010 
  • Santiago, L.; Tarancón A.; Bagán, H.; Rauret, G.; García, J.F. Sistematic study of the different quenching phenomena in organic scintillators. Oral. Advances in Liquid Scintillation Spectrometry (LSC2010). París, France. 2010 
  • Bagán, H.; Tarancón, A.; Rauret, G.; García, J. F. Plastic scintillation resin for 90Sr separation and measurement in a single step. Oral. Advances in Liquid Scintillation Spectrometry (LSC2010). París, France. 2010 
  • Bagán, H.; Tarancón, A.; Rauret, G.; García, J. F. Recent studies on plastic scintillation as a zero residue technique to quantify radionuclides. Poster. 17th International conference on Radionuclide Metrology and its Applications. Bratislava, Slovakia. 2009 
  • Bagán, H.; Hartvig, S.; Tarancón, A.; Rauret, G.; García, J. F. Determination of radiotracers (14C) by plastic scintillation. Oral. Liquid scintillation spectrometry conference, Davos, Switzerland. 2008. 
  • Tarancón, A.; Bagán, H.; García, J. F.; Rauret, G. Alfa beta discrimination by pulse shape analyse in plastic scintillation. Oral. 5th ICRM Conference on Low-Level radioactivity measurement techniques. Braunschweig, Germany. 2008. 
  • Tarancón, A.; García, J. F.; Rauret, G. Remote, on-line and continuous monitoring of alpha, beta and gamma activity in liquid effluents in two scenarios. Oral. Internacional symposium on environmental radiochemical analysis. Oxford, United Kingdom. 2006. 16
  
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