PNNL

Abstract

A sample preparation sequence for actinide isotopic analysis by TIMS is described that includes column-based extraction chromatography as the first separation step, followed by anion exchange column separations. The sequence is designed to include a wet ashing step after the extraction chromatography to prevent any leached extractant or oxalic acid eluent reagents from interfering with subsequent separations, source preparation, or TIMS ionization. TEVA-resin and DGA-resin materials, containing extractants that consist only of C, N, O, and H atoms, were investigated for isolation of plutonium. Radiotracer level studies confirmed expected high yields from column-based separation procedures. Femtogram-level studies were carried out with TIMS detection, using multiple isotopic spikes through the separation sequence. Pu recoveries were 87% and 86% for TEVA- and DGA-resins separations respectively. The Pu recoveries from 400 µL anion-exchange column separations were 89% and 93% for trial sequences incorporating TEVA and DGA-resin. Thus, a prior extraction chromatography step in the sequence did not interfere with the subsequent anion exchange separation when a simple wet ash step was carried out in between these column separations. The average measurement efficiency, for Pu, encompassing the chemical separation recoveries and the TIMS ionization efficiency, was 2.73 ± 0.77% (2-sigma) for the DGA-resin trials and 2.67 ± 0.54% for the TEVA-resin trials, compared to 3.41% and 2.37% (average 2.89%) for two spikes in the experimental set. These compare with an average measurement efficiency of 2.78 ± 1.70%, n = 33 from process benchmark analyses using Pu spikes processed through a sequence of oxalate precipitation, wet ash, iron hydroxide precipitation, and anion exchange column separations. We conclude that extraction chromatography can be a viable separation procedure as part of a multistep sequence for TIMS sample preparation.