radiochemii

Radiochemii is a field studying chemical processes involving radioactive materials, including preparation, transformation, and analysis of substances in which radioactivity is intrinsic. It sits at the intersection of chemistry and nuclear science, focusing on the chemical behavior of radioactive isotopes, their production and separation, and their use as probes.

Core topics include production of radioisotopes, radiolabeling of molecules for tracing processes, radiolysis, and the development of analytical methods for detecting radioactive species. Techniques commonly used are chromatographic separations, ion exchange, solvent extraction, and radiometric detection such as gamma spectroscopy and alpha or beta counting.

Applications span medicine, where radiopharmaceuticals enable diagnostic imaging and targeted therapy; environmental and industrial tracing; and materials research. Common tracers include PET isotopes like fluorine-18 and carbon-11, and technetium-99m in diagnostics.

Safety and regulation are central, given ionizing hazards. Practice emphasizes radiation protection, waste management, and compliance with governing rules for handling, storage, transport, and disposal of radioactive materials.

Historically, radiochemistry began with work on radioactive decay and isotope discovery, and has evolved with advances in radiopharmacy and accelerator- or reactor-produced isotopes. Training blends chemistry, physics, and health physics.

See also radiochemistry, nuclear chemistry, radiopharmacology.