In Situ Observation of Radiation Damage in Rhabdophane- and Churchite-Type Rare-Earth Phosphate Nanocrystals

ion beam and the radiation response was monitored in situ using a TEM. Rhabdophane undergoes amorphization at a slightly higher ion fluence than churchite and, therefore, has a relatively higher radiation stability. However, both these materials were outperformed by monazite and xenotime, which demonstrate higher radiation tolerance. This study has demonstrated that rhabdophane and churchite are more susceptible to radiation damage and could have implications on their actinide retention capacity.