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Explora: Environment

and Resource

ORIGINAL RESEARCH ARTICLE
Experimental application of graphene quantum

dots for the removal of nuclear materials from
metal and plastic surfaces

Afonso Eduardo Magalhães Muzitano 1,2 , Filipe Leal Portilho 1,2 ,
Isabelle Xavier-de-Brito 1,2 , Marilia Amável Gomes Soares 1 ,
Luciana Magalhães Rebelo Alencar 3 , Pierre Basilio Almeida Fechine 4 , and
1,5
Ralph Santos-Oliveira *
1 Laboratory of Nanoradiopharmaceuticals and Synyhesis of Novel Radiopharmaceuticals.. Institute
of Nuclear Engineering, National Nuclear Energy Commission, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
2 Department of Nuclear Medicine, Army Central Hospital, Brazilian Army, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de
Janeiro, Brazil

Abstract

This study explores the application of graphene quantum dots (GQDs) as innovative
nanomaterials for the efficient removal of nuclear materials from metal and plastic
surfaces, especially in contexts involving terrorist threats, such as “dirty bombs” and
radiological dispersal devices (RDDs). These devices use conventional explosives
combined with radioactive materials to contaminate large areas, posing significant
risks to health and the environment. This investigation addresses the growing
global concern about the use and threat of such weapons, particularly in the
*Corresponding author: context of escalating wars and the increasing vulnerability of nuclear facilities to
Ralph Santos-Oliveira
(roliveira@ien.gov.br) security breaches. Our focus is on the unique properties of GQDs—such as their
chemical stability, high surface area, quantum confinement effects, and electronic
Citation: Muzitano AEM, characteristics—that enhance their ability to effectively adsorb radioactive
Portilho FL, Xavier-de-Brito I, et
al. Experimental application of isotopes. We examine the potential of GQDs to interact with various radioactive
graphene quantum dots for the materials, focusing on isotopes commonly associated with RDDs, such as
removal of nuclear materials from cesium-137, cobalt-60, strontium-90, and iridium-192. Functionalization techniques
metal and plastic surfaces. Explora
Environ Resour. 2024;1(1):3403. are employed to enhance the interaction of GQDs with specific isotopes, thus
doi: 10.36922/eer.3403 improving the decontamination process. Our findings reveal that GQDs can
Received: April 11, 2024 efficiently remove iodine-131 (I-131) from several metals: Aluminum (91.27%), zinc
(98.67%), and monel (96.40%). They also demonstrate high efficiency in removing
Accepted: July 9, 2024
I-131 from rigid polyvinyl chloride. On the other hand, GQDs presented moderate
Published Online: October 14, efficiency in removing technetium-99m, with removal rates of 64.93% from monel,
2024 55.11% from aluminum, and 41.80% from zinc. Overall, GQDs could play a crucial
Copyright: © 2024 Author(s). role in mitigating the consequences of dirty bomb detonations, offering a quick
This is an Open-Access article and effective method to reduce radiological impacts in affected areas. This research
distributed under the terms of the
Creative Commons Attribution enhances our understanding of nanomaterials in responding to radiological
License, permitting distribution, emergencies, presenting GQDs as a viable solution to contemporary challenges in
and reproduction in any medium, public health and safety. The implications of this study extend beyond immediate
provided the original work is
properly cited. decontamination, suggesting broader applications of GQDs in environmental safety
and nuclear safety protocols.
Publisher’s Note: AccScience
Publishing remains neutral with
regard to jurisdictional claims in
published maps and institutional Keywords: Chemistry; Radiological accident; Radiological dispersal devices
affiliations.

Volume 1 Issue 1 (2024) 1 doi: 10.36922/eer.3403