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Published on: May 3, 2019
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Isolation and purification of protactinium-231
S M Jerome1, S M Collins1, S Happel2
1National Physical Laboratory, Teddington, Middlesex TW11 0LW, United Kingdom.
Summary
Researchers purified Protactinium-231 (Pa-231) for accurate dating in paleoclimate and nuclear forensics. A new resin, TK 400, achieved high recovery rates, ensuring reliable measurements for scientific studies.
Area of Science:
- Radiochemistry
- Nuclear Science
- Analytical Chemistry
Background:
- Protactinium-231 (Pa-231) is crucial for paleoclimate and nuclear forensics dating.
- Accurate measurement of Pa-231 is essential for understanding decay chains, specifically the 227Ac chain.
- Previous material sources for Pa-231 studies had poorly defined origins.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present preparatory work for an upcoming CCRI(II) supplementary comparison of Protactinium-231.
- To chemically purify a Pa-231 source material of unknown provenance.
- To evaluate the efficacy of a new extraction chromatography resin, TK 400, for Pa-231 separation.
Main Methods:
- Chemical purification of Protactinium-231 source material.
- Testing of a new extraction chromatography resin (TK 400) for radionuclide separation.
- Measurement of recovery yields for Pa-231 and its decay products.
Main Results:
- Successful chemical purification of the Protactinium-231 material.
- Achieved a recovery yield of approximately 85% for Protactinium-231.
- Obtained good recovery yields (~95%) for decay products and removed stable element impurities.
Conclusions:
- The preparatory work successfully purified Protactinium-231 material for comparison studies.
- The TK 400 resin demonstrates effectiveness in separating Protactinium-231, with high recovery rates.
- The purification process ensures reliable starting material for future nuclear forensics and paleoclimate research.
