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Speciation and Bioavailability Measurements of Environmental Plutonium Using Diffusion in Thin Films
Published on: November 9, 2015
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Quantitative molecular plating of large-area 242Pu targets with improved layer properties
A Vascon1, J Runke2, N Trautmann3
1Institute of Nuclear Chemistry, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, 55099 Mainz, Germany; Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, 01328 Dresden, Germany.
Summary
Researchers developed highly homogeneous 242Pu targets on titanium-coated silicon wafers using molecular plating for neutron-induced fission cross-section measurements. This method yielded superior results compared to traditional titanium foils.
Area of Science:
- Nuclear Physics
- Materials Science
Background:
- Accurate measurements of neutron-induced fission cross sections are crucial for nuclear applications.
- Preparation of homogeneous and high-quality actinide targets, such as Plutonium-242 (242Pu), is essential for reliable experimental data.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and optimize a method for preparing large-area (42 cm2) 242Pu targets on titanium-coated silicon wafers.
- To evaluate the quality and homogeneity of these targets for neutron-induced fission cross-section measurements.
Main Methods:
- Constant current density molecular plating was employed for 242Pu deposition on Ti-coated Si wafers after radiochemical separation.
- Alpha-particle spectroscopy was used to determine deposition yields (>95%).
- Radiographic imaging, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) were utilized for homogeneity and quality assessment.
Main Results:
- High deposition yields (>95%) and layer densities of 100-150 μg/cm2 were achieved for the 242Pu targets.
- Radiographic imaging confirmed target homogeneity.
- Comparative analysis using SEM and EDX demonstrated that Ti-coated Si wafers produced significantly more homogeneous 242Pu layers with fewer defects than conventional Ti foils.
Conclusions:
- Titanium-coated silicon wafers are a superior substrate for preparing homogeneous 242Pu targets for nuclear cross-section measurements.
- The developed molecular plating technique offers a reliable method for producing high-quality actinide targets.
