Search

In various methods to determine alpha-emitting radionuclides in matrices, alpha-particle spectrometry with alpha-emitting sources prepared by the electrodeposition has been widely used. Although there are several good review papers on alpha-particle spectrometry and preparation of electrodeposited alpha-emitting sources, the mechanism of analysis procedure and characterizations of alpha-emitting sources have not been reported well. These untouched subjects by other review papers are very significant to improve the analysis procedure. This review focuses on the mechanism of the electrodeposition of alpha-emitting radionuclides on the stainless steel disc, factors for the preparation of electrodeposited alpha-emitting layers, and various characterization methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) technique was used to find out the type of species of uranyl with α-hydroxyisobutyric acid in positive and negative ion modes. It was found that the singly charged monomeric and doubly charged dimeric species were present in soft ionization conditions. The molecular level understanding on the structures and energetics were investigated using density functional theory based calculations. It was found that ML, the most intense species observed in ESI-MS were energetically more favorable as compared to ML and ML. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The isotope ratio measurement techniques-total evaporation (TE), modified total evaporation (MTE), and conventional-used for characterization measurements of certified reference materials by thermal ionization mass spectrometer instruments are compared. The advantages of each method, the fractionation profiles resulting from the measurement techniques, and factors affecting systematic components of bias in the isotope ratio measurements are discussed. The TE and MTE techniques yield major ratios and the conventional and MTE techniques yield minor ratios of comparable quality (in terms of precision and accuracy). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently a Np-237 target (26 mg) was analyzed for trace Pu isotopes (approximately 300 ppb). This work describes the chemistry required for a Np/Pu separation sufficient for Thermal Ionization Mass Spectrometry (TIMS), as well as the Pu purification from other potential contaminants. A point source was prepared from the purified Pu fraction and the atom ratios were measured via TIMS. The Pu isotopics provide a picture of the Np target's irradiation history, which will also be discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The measurement of gluconate is required in the framework of nuclear waste management. Liquid chromatography coupled with amperometric detection proved to be insufficiently selective to quantify gluconate in radioactive effluents due to the complexity of the matrix. An analytical method based on a desalting step and quantification with liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry was therefore developed. As gluconate may be present as several chelates, speciation simulation studies enabled to determine the prevailing chelate form depending on experimental conditions and thus to optimize sample preparation. The analytical method was successfully applied to real nuclear effluents, with a limit of quantification of 2.6 × 10 mol L. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electrospray ionization mass spectrometry was used to investigate the complexation of plutonium(III) and americium(III) by DOTA in aqueous solution. As for europium(III) complexation, data obtained show the presence of a single extremely stable ion ML in negative ion mode. The kinetic stability of gas phase ions has been investigated by both in-source and in-ion trap collision induced dissociation for lanthanides(III) and actinides(III) species and provides valuable information on the system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]