Estimation of trace impurities in reactor-grade uranium using ICP-AES

Area of Science:

• Nuclear Chemistry
• Analytical Chemistry

Background:

• Accurate estimation of impurities in reactor-grade uranium is crucial for neutron economy.
• Traditional methods like ion exchange and solvent extraction, often using TBP or TOPO, have limitations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel chemical separation method for uranium impurities.
• To improve the accuracy and efficiency of impurity estimation in uranium samples.

Main Methods:

• Chemical separation of uranium via precipitation using 1,2-diaminocyclohexane NNN'N'-tetra acetic acid (CyDTA) and ammonium hydroxide.
• Estimation of impurities in the filtrate using Inductively Coupled Plasma Atomic Emission Spectrometry (ICP-AES).
• Utilizing 1,10-phenanthroline to enhance the recovery of specific impurities like Cadmium (Cd).

Main Results:

• Achieved quantitative separation of Uranium (U), a known spectral interferent in plasma.
• Successfully recovered trace impurities from the uranium matrix.
• Demonstrated improved recovery rates for Cadmium (Cd) with the addition of 1,10-phenanthroline.
• The method exhibits high accuracy and precision, with relative standard deviations ranging from 3.8% to 12.9% for various elements.

Conclusions:

• The developed precipitation method offers a reliable approach for separating uranium and quantifying impurities.
• The inclusion of 1,10-phenanthroline enhances the detection of certain impurities.
• This technique is accurate and precise for impurity analysis in reactor-grade uranium.