Ceramics

High-purity Zr₃AlC₂ samples (>92 wt%) were synthesized and irradiated at room temperature using 100 keV He⁺ ions at fluences of 2 × 10¹⁶ and 1 × 10¹⁷ ions/cm². As a Zr-based MAX phase, Zr₃AlC₂ is a promising candidate for accident-tolerant fuel cladding due to its compatibility with Zr alloys and the low neutron absorption cross-section of Zr. Our results show that irradiation induces a decrease in the a-lattice parameter and an increase in the c-lattice parameter, along with the formation of anti-site defects and decomposition into ZrC. Cracks preferentially appear along (1000) planes. These findings suggest that Zr₃AlC₂ has limited structural stability under low-temperature helium irradiation.

Longquan celadon represents the pinnacle of Chinese celadon, and there are many kilns in southern China that imitate Longquan celadon. During the Ming Dynasty, Jianyang Bowl Kiln was the representative kiln in Fujian Province for imitating Longquan celadon, while Jingdezhen Kiln was the representative kiln in Jiangxi Province for imitating Longquan celadon. The quality of both is close to that of Longquan celadon, making it difficult to distinguish by ordinary visual observation. This study focuses on Jianyang Bowl Kiln and Jingdezhen Kiln imitating Longquan celadon, comprehensively employing methods such as EDXRF, LA-ICP-MS, and chromaticity analysis to systematically investigate the similarities and differences in the composition of their body and glaze. The results indicate that distinct differences exist in the composition of trace and rare earth elements between the imitations of Longquan celadon produced by Jianyang Bowl Kiln and Jingdezhen Kiln, and authentic celadons from Longquan Kiln, which can serve as important criteria for distinguishing kilns. This provides systematic scientific data support for identifying the technological origins and production locations of Ming Dynasty imitations of Longquan celadon.

The selective removal of radioactive cesium-137 and strontium-90 from high-salinity radioactive wastewater remains a critical challenge, as competing ions reduce adsorption efficiency and selectivity. In this study, high-performance granulated adsorbents were developed based on alkali-activated geopolymer matrices to enhance sorption performance. The adsorbents were synthesized by inorganic polymerization, and mechanically robust granules with controlled porosity and surface chemistry were obtained. Batch sorption experiments conducted in simulated seawater demonstrated greater than 99% removal efficiencies for cesium and strontium. Isotherm modeling confirmed high maximum sorption capacities (up to 0.41 meq/g for Cs⁺ and 5.07 meq/g for Sr²⁺). Continuous fixed-bed column tests demonstrated sustained removal efficiencies for the optimized adsorbents. Structural analyses, including scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy mapping, and X-ray diffraction, confirmed uniform elemental distribution and crystalline phases consistent with selective sorption mechanisms. Assessment of mechanical strength revealed sufficient compressive strengths to ensure operational durability under hydraulic stress. These findings demonstrate that the synthesized geopolymer-based granules are a potentially effective and versatile solution for the comprehensive treatment of radioactive wastewater.