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United States Patent 5,350,569
CoppaSept. 27, 1994

Storage of nuclear materials by encapsulation in fullerenes

Inventors: Coppa; Nicholas V. (Los Alamos, NM).
Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the United States Department of Energy (Washington, DC).
Appl. No.: 039,668
Filed: Mar. 30, 1993

Intl. Cl.:C01B 31/00;
U.S. Cl.:423/251.; 423/445.B;
Field of Search:251;250;252;445 B

References Cited

U.S. Patent Documents
H1,013Jan., 1992Wormsbecher et al. 252/629
R,e34,041Aug., 1992Doan 252/628
5,256,338Oct., 1993Nishi et al. 252/628
5,272,740Dec., 1993Marsaud et al. 252/629
5,273,729Dec., 1993Howard et al. 423/445 B
5,275,705Jan., 1994Bethune et al. 423/445 B

Primary Examiner: Walsh; Donald P.
Assistant Examiner: Voss; Frederick H.


Abstract

A method of encapsulating radioactive materials inside fullerenes for stable long-term storage. Fullerenes provide a safe and efficient means of disposing of nuclear waste which is extremely stable with respect to the environment. After encapsulation, a radioactive ion is essentially chemically isolated from its external environment.

5 Claims, No Drawings


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