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In Situ Detection and Single Cell Quantification of Metal Oxide Nanoparticles Using Nuclear Microprobe Analysis
Published on: February 3, 2018
Uranium colloid analysis by single particle inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry
C Degueldre1, P-Y Favarger, R Rossé
1Department Nuclear Energy and Safety, Paul Scherrer Institut, 5232 Villigen-PSI, Switzerland. claude.degueldre@psi.ch
Talanta
|October 31, 2008
Summary
Inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) enables uranium single particle analysis by detecting ion flashes from colloidal particles. This method accurately measures particle concentration and size distribution in suspensions.
Area of Science:
- Analytical Chemistry
- Environmental Science
- Nuclear Science
Background:
- Accurate characterization of uranium colloids is crucial for environmental monitoring and nuclear waste management.
- Traditional methods for particle analysis have limitations in sensitivity and specificity for uranium.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the performance of ICP-MS for single particle analysis of uranium colloids.
- To compare ICP-MS with scanning electron microscopy and single particle counting for uranium analysis.
- To establish experimental conditions for detecting uranium colloids using ICP-MS.
Main Methods:
- Single particle analysis using inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS).
- Detection of transient ion signals from individual uranium colloidal particles in a plasma torch.
- Measurement of specific uranium isotopes and oxides (e.g., 238U+, 235U+, 254[238U16O]+).
- Analysis of signal frequency for particle concentration and signal intensity for particle size.
Main Results:
- ICP-MS successfully detected and measured individual uranium colloidal particles.
- The frequency of detected ion flashes correlated directly with particle concentration.
- The method allows for the determination of particle size and isotopic composition.
- Feasibility demonstrated using uranium dioxide particles.
Conclusions:
- ICP-MS is a viable technique for single particle analysis of uranium colloids.
- This method offers high sensitivity and specificity for uranium detection in colloidal suspensions.
- The study provides essential parameters for implementing single particle ICP-MS for uranium analysis.
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