Centre for Radiochemistry Research

The Centre for Radiochemistry Research (CRR) at the University of Manchester is part of the National Nuclear User Facility (NUF) initiative. It is designed as a centralised resource for research into radioactive materials, offering state-of-the-art equipment and expertise to academic and industrial users. The CRR focuses on radiochemistry, enabling research into areas such as nuclear fuel recycling, waste management, environmental monitoring, and material sciences.

Key features of the CRR include:

     • Facilities and Equipment: The CRR houses advanced tools such as single-crystal X-ray diffraction, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, liquid scintillation counters, and fluorescence spectroscopy. It also provides specialised environments, like high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filtered controlled areas, for safely handling and studying radioactive materials.

     • Research Areas: It supports studies on coordination and organometallic complexes, environmental radiochemistry, modelling, nuclear decommissioning, and accident-tolerant fuels.

     • Access and Collaboration: Researchers from the UK and abroad can access the facility under proper arrangements. It provides services for both academic and industrial projects requiring work with radioactive substances.

     • Nuclear Material Capabilities: The facility handles a range of radioactive materials, although usage is limited to safe activity levels.

Overall, the CRR is a vital hub for advancing nuclear science and technology, supporting projects that address key challenges in the nuclear industry and environmental safety.