Nuclear applications, carbon nanocapsules

Nuclear applications of nanocapsules are related to the emitting physical properties of the encapsulated material. Emitted radiation can be electromagnetic of high energy (y), electrons or positrons (/3), alpha particles (" He nucleus), or fission products [67]. These emitters can be in themselves radioactive or can be activated by a nuclear reaction, usually a neutron capture. The particular advantage of carbon nanocapsules in nuclear applications is related to the protective characteristics that the carbon capsule confers to the interior product. Experiments on irradiation of fullerenes have shown that knocked carbon atoms from one cage are foimd in another fuUerene and even form dimers and trimers by a recoil-implantation mechanism [68]. The observed major damage of capsules in nanoencapsulated molybdenum irradiated in a nuclear reactor was produced by... 

Nuclear applications of carbon nanocapsules with radioactive materials inside are in the very early steps of investigation. Because of time-consumming experiments, post-irradiation analysis, protocols, complex interdisciplinary work, and the usual requirement of big facilities to be employed, make advances very punctual. Feasibility studies are usually done to a deeper stage than in other areas of activity to balance research investment. Surely, results wiU be as promising as in other disciplines of nanotechnology. 

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