Solid-phase extraction microfluidic devices for matrix removal in trace element assay of actinide materials

Area of Science:

• Analytical Chemistry
• Materials Science
• Nuclear Chemistry

Background:

• Traditional trace impurity analysis in nuclear materials requires large sample volumes.
• Advances in nebulization and injection technologies necessitate reduced solution volumes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design and test a novel chip-based microfluidic platform for trace impurity analysis.
• To achieve significant reductions in nuclear material and solution volumes.

Main Methods:

• Developed a microfluidic platform with 100-µL or 20-µL solid-phase microextraction columns.
• Packed columns by centrifugation and tested with UTEVA and anion exchange resins.
• Evaluated material compatibility (PVC, PP, PTFE) with nitric acid media.

Main Results:

• Demonstrated quantitative recovery of 28 trace elements in uranium.
• Achieved quantitative recovery of trace elements from thorium (plutonium surrogate).
• Identified PVC, PP, and PTFE as most compatible chip materials.

Conclusions:

• The microfluidic platform supports nuclear material and solution volume reductions of over 90%.
• Microcolumns are adaptable for trace element assay in high-purity metals using various resins.