Center for Radiation Chemistry Research
Studying the effects of ionizing radiation on chemical processes to address nuclear fuel cycle challenges and advance radiation chemistry research.
About Us
Over the past several decades, global radiation chemistry expertise and facilities have declined. However, there is now renewed interest in radiation chemistry because of the implementation of new nuclear fuel cycle proposals, design of next-generation nuclear reactors, water and waste treatment by advanced oxidation technologies, and the growing recognition of the importance of free radical reactions in medical, environmental, and atmospheric chemistry.
Idaho National Laboratory has established itself as an international leader in radiation chemistry, as applied to used nuclear fuel separation process chemistry, coordinating international radiation chemistry studies in support of fuel cycle programs.
Building upon this legacy of combined radiation chemistry expertise, the Center for Radiation Chemistry Research (CR2) was established in 2016, bringing together key researchers with extensive knowledge in the field of radiation and radiochemistry, in addition to those with expertise in other disciplines such as electrochemistry and inorganic solvent extraction chemistry. Thereby creating an interdisciplinary center for providing holistic insight and solutions to ionizing radiation phenomena and challenges.
Upcoming Events
5th International Conference on Ionizing Processes
November 15–20, 2026
Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA
Our Mission
Address radiation chemistry challenges throughout the nuclear fuel cycle and beyond.
Advance our fundamental and applied knowledge of ionizing radiation phenomena.
Train the next generation of radiation chemists, to preserve the world's expertise for future generations.
Meet Our Scientists
Greg Holmbeck
Actinides aren’t just elements—they’re the VIPs of nuclear science. From fueling advanced reactors to enabling next-gen recycling technologies, actinides help us unlock reliable and efficient energy solutions. INL researchers use these tiny heavyweights, like uranium and plutonium, to make big energy moves (with possibilities in other industries too)!
Jacy Conrad
Jacy's work contributes both to gaining a fundamental understanding of interesting new chemistry and to applications optimizing processes throughout the nuclear fuel cycle.
Amy Kynman
Meet Amy Kynman, a postdoctoral research associate at Idaho National Laboratory. Her research focuses on the chemistry of actinide elements, which are crucial to nuclear energy technologies, but are difficult to study due to their radioactivity.
Recent Publications
September 2026
"Radiolysis of ZrO2 Surface Modified with Polyphenols"
September 2026
"Gamma Radiolysis of Hydroxylamine in Aqueous Nitric Acid Solutions"
August 2026
"Optimizing Acoustic Cavitation of Tristructural-Isotropic (TRISO) Fuel Particles for Efficient Recovery of Inner Uranium Kernels in Nitric Acid"
August 2026
"In Situ UV–vis Quantification of Chlorobasicity in Binary Molten Chlorides"
June 2026
"Experimental and Multiscale Modeling Insights for Radiation-Driven Neptunium Redox Processes at Elevated Temperatures"
April 2026
"Effects of He-Ion Radiation on Solid-State Uranyl Nitrate Compounds under Dry and Hydrated Atmospheric Conditions"
March 2026
"Extraction, Characterization and Stability Studies of Bistriazinyl-derived Carboxylic Acids"
Connect with our Team
Questions about our research, capabilities or collaboration opportunities?
Our team is ready to connect you with the right experts and resources at INL.