Actinides lifespan

Viewed in the context of the actinide lifespan, the nuclear fuel cycle involves the diversion of actinides from their natural decay sequence into an accelerated fission decay sequence. The radioactive by-products of this energy producing process will themselves ultimately decay but along quite different pathways. Coordination chemistry plays a role at various stages in this diversionary process, the most prominent being in the extraction of actinides from ore concentrate and the reprocessing of irradiated fuel. However, before considering these topics in detail it is appropriate to consider briefly the vital role played by coordination chemistry in the formation of uranium ore deposits. 

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