Zirconium-93

⁹³Zr is a radioisotope of zirconium with a half life of 1.53 million years, decaying with a low-energy beta particle to Niobium-93m, which decays with a halflife of 14 years and a low-energy gamma ray to ordinary ⁹³Nb. It is one of only 7 long-lived fission products. The low specific activity and low energy of its radiations limit the radioactive hazards of this isotope.

Additional recommended knowledge

Daily Visual Balance Check

How to ensure accurate weighing results every day?

Daily Sensitivity Test

Nuclear fission produces it at a fission yield of 6.2956%, on a par with the other most abundant fission products. Nuclear reactors usually contain large amounts of zirconium as fuel rod cladding (see Zircaloy), and neutron irradiation of ⁹²Zr also produces some ⁹³Zr, though this is limited by ⁹²Zr's low neutron capture cross section of 0.22 barns.

⁹³Zr also has a low neutron capture cross section of 2.70 barns. Most fission zirconium consists of other isotopes; the other isotope with a significant neutron absorption cross section is ⁹¹Zr with a cross section of 1.24 barns. ⁹³Zr is a less attractive candidate for disposal by nuclear transmutation than are Tc-99 and I-129. Mobility in soil is relatively low, so that geological disposal may be an adequate solution.

See also

• Isotopes of zirconium
• ANL fact sheet