144Ce

Cerium-144 (144Ce) is a radioactive isotope of the lanthanide cerium (atomic number 58) with a mass number of 144. It is produced in nuclear fission and is a common fission product found in spent nuclear fuel.

In terms of decay, 144Ce decays by beta emission to 144Pr, with a half-life of about 284.9 days. The daughter nuclide, 144Pr, is short‑lived (half-life ~17.3 minutes) and itself decays by beta emission (and associated gamma radiation) to stable 144Nd. Therefore, the decay chain is 144Ce → 144Pr → 144Nd, with the latter being stable. The radiation released includes beta particles and gamma rays, which requires proper shielding and handling.

Production and occurrence: 144Ce is produced by the fission of uranium-235 and plutonium-239 and is a significant long-lived fission product in spent nuclear fuel. It can be isolated, stored, or used as a radioactive source in controlled applications, and it contributes to the heat load of nuclear waste due to its decay.

Applications: Because of its relatively long half-life and the decay characteristics of its daughter, 144Ce has been used in sealed calibration sources for radiation detectors and in research contexts as a heat source in certain radiological applications. Its relatively long persistence means it remains present in waste streams for extended periods, requiring appropriate radiological controls.

Safety and handling: 144Ce is radiotoxic and emits beta and gamma radiation. Handling requires appropriate shielding, remote handling, and adherence to regulatory controls for transport, storage, and disposal. Long-term management is important due to its multi‑decade half-life and presence in nuclear waste streams.

See also: Cerium, Praseodymium-144, Neodymium-144.