Application of rotating disk electrode technique for the preparation of Np, Pu and Am α-sources

Optimization of the efficiency of diamond based α-sensors for spectrometry in aqueous solutions

“…This result can be attributed to the complexity of the plutonium solution chemistry which can lead to the formation of complex species and particularly that of a Pu(IV) radiocolloid. The same observation has been evidenced by Tsoupko-Sitnikov [9].…”

“…6, the black curve displays the precipitation yield as a function of the current density over the range 0.5 -18.0 mA/cm 2 . The optimum current density probed is at -1 mA/cm 2 revealing a good agreement with the value of -0.6 mA/cm 2 as determined from the Tsoupko-Sitnikov approach [9]: the difference can be attributed to the difference in experimental setup and namely the pH of 4.30 and rotating disk electrode conditions they used. Our best precipitation yield reaches up to 25 % in Na 2SO4 buffer.…”

“…Current density is a key parameter affecting both the electro-precipitation efficiency and the quality of the electro precipitated layer [9]. Indeed, the current density directly relates to the hydroxyl layer formation, thus drives the kinetics of the actinide hydroxyl formation.…”

“…In fact at very high current densities of several hundred mA/cm 2 , it becomes possible to heat and even to evaporate the electrolytes. A very interesting method [8], [9] demonstrates that the precipitation of actinides can be successfully performed by using sodium sulfate [Na2SO4] = 0.3 M at pH 4.30 as electrolyte and a very low cathodic current densities of several mA/cm 2 . As an alternative, nitrate solutions are the reference media in the nuclear industry for fuel reprocessing and actinides separation chemistry, and there is only little data on actinide electroprecipitation in this media [10].…”

Measurements of Natural Radioactivity in Some Granite Samples Using Alpha Spectrometric Analysis

“…The procedure for alpha spectrometry is carried out through several steps including sample preparation, radiochemical separation, preparation of a thin alpha source, such as via electro-deposition or co-precipitation, and α-counting employing high-resolution pulse height analysis [6][7][8][9]. Sample preparation aims to convert the sample into a thin layered, chemically isolated form that can be placed into the spectrometer and counted with a minimum alpha particle energy interferences and self absorption, and alpha peak broadening due to energy straggling with thick sources.…”