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Wabwile JM, Angeyo HK, Massop AD. Exploring band-free Raman microspectrometry combined with PCA and MCR-ALS for size-resolved forensic analysis of uranium in aerosols in a model nuclear atmosphere. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RADIOACTIVITY 2023; 270:107295. [PMID: 37741154 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvrad.2023.107295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2023] [Revised: 09/10/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/25/2023]
Abstract
Achieving non-destructive micrometer-scale molecular and structural analysis of uranic materials in atmospheric aerosols with traditional methodologies is a challenge. Spatially resolved analysis of uranium in actinide-bearing aerosols is critical for nuclear forensics. Although laser Raman microspectrometry enables this, for the normally low uranium concentrations in the aerosols the spectra are indiscernible (band-free) against pronounced background: trace analysis requires a push in analytical strategy. We combined laser Raman microspectrometry (utilizing two lasers (λ = 532 nm, λ = 785 nm)) with principal component analysis (PCA) and multivariate curve resolution-alternate least squares (MCR-ALS) to perform size-resolved analysis of uranium in aerosols. Uranium-specific Raman scatter bands corresponding to uranyl nitrate (860 cm-1), uranium sulphate (868 cm-1), uranyl chloride (816 cm-1) and uranium trioxide (839 cm-1) were detected. The 816 cm-1, 854 cm-1, 868 cm-1 bands were resolved by MCR-ALS and used to identify and map uranium in PM4.5 size aerosols. Based on spectral feature selection of the signature bands, PCA identified two sources of aerosol particles in model nuclear atmosphere - Sea spray for PM4.5 and re-suspension of 'nuclear' dust from a rare earth element (REE) mine for PM2.5. The MCR-ALS-resolved uranium bands showed the potential for attributive nuclear forensic analysis.
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2
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Gao J, He M, Shen Y, Xu CK, Zhao YG. Comparison of AMS, TIMS, and SIMS techniques for determining uranium isotope ratios in individual particles. JOURNAL OF MASS SPECTROMETRY : JMS 2023; 58:e4905. [PMID: 36775912 DOI: 10.1002/jms.4905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2022] [Revised: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
The determination of isotope ratios in individual uranium particles is very important for nuclear safeguards. In this work, accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS), thermal ionization mass spectrometry (TIMS), and secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) were applied to isotope ratio analysis of individual uranium particles and compared in terms of background, measurement accuracy, and efficiency. Several individual uranium particles (1-7 μm) from certified reference materials were used as samples. The results show that the average values of blank counting rate of 235 U for AMS, FT-TIMS (FT: fission track), SEM-TIMS (SEM: scanning electron microscope), and SIMS were 7.3, 7.8, 2.7 and 2.2 cps, respectively. The relative error of 234 U/235 U and 234 U/236 U isotope ratios of the particles from U200 for AMS were within 10% and 20%, whereas the results of FT-TIMS and SIMS were within 5% and 10%, respectively. The relative error and external precision of 234 U/238 U and 235 U/238 U of the particles from U850 for the method of AMS, SEM-TIMS, and SIMS were within 10% and 5%, respectively. For 236 U/238 U, the average values of the relative error and external precision measured by AMS were within 5%, which measured by SEM-TIMS and SIMS were all within 10%. AMS has advantages in measuring 236 U/238 U. The measurement time of AMS and SEM-TIMS was shorter than that of FT-TIMS and longer than that of SIMS. It is considered that AMS and SEM-TIMS have a certain development prospect, and it is necessary to research deeply.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Gao
- Department of Radiochemistry, Institute of Atomic Energy, Beijing, China
| | - Ming He
- Department of Nuclear Physics, Institute of Atomic Energy, Beijing, China
| | - Yan Shen
- Department of Radiochemistry, Institute of Atomic Energy, Beijing, China
| | - Chang-Kun Xu
- Department of Radiochemistry, Institute of Atomic Energy, Beijing, China
| | - Yong-Gang Zhao
- Department of Radiochemistry, Institute of Atomic Energy, Beijing, China
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3
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Zhang L, Levy I, Vassileva E. Determination of uranium isotopes in marine sediments and seawaters by SF ICP-MS after rapid chemical separation using TK200 resin. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:44671-44683. [PMID: 36696061 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-25513-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2022] [Accepted: 01/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
This work provided a novel analytical procedure for rapid and precise uranium isotopic determination in marine sediment and seawater, using a new type of extraction resin, TK200 resin, in combination with microwave digestion (for marine sediments), Fe(OH)3 co-precipitation (for seawater), and single collector sector field-inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (SF ICP-MS) measurement. The removal ability of TK200 extraction chromatography for the interfering elements (IEs) Hg, Pb, Th, Pt, Tl, and the matrix rare earth elements (REEs) was carefully investigated. High decontamination factors (DFs) were obtained for IEs and REEs. Accurate quantification of uranium isotope ratios was accomplished based on a "double-cycle" ICP-MS measurement method. The analytical method was optimized and validated with isotopic standards (IRMM-187), matrix-containing certified reference marine sediments (IAEA-384, IAEA-385, and IAEA-412), and seawater reference material (IAEA-443). A stable chemical recovery of ~ 90% was obtained for both types of marine environmental samples, and the method showed great efficiency with a total analytical time of less than 6 h. The proposed procedure was validated following ISO/IEC 17025 guidelines. The important factors affecting the isotope ratio results (instrument background, procedural blank, memory effects, peak tailing, mass discrimination, dead time, and hydride interferences) were considered in the estimation of combined uncertainties. This work provides an alternative way for the determination of trace uranium isotope ratios and can be applied in the emergency monitoring of nuclear accidents and marine environmental analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ling Zhang
- International Atomic Energy Agency, Marine Environment Laboratories, 4 Quai Antoine 1er, 98000, Monaco, Principality of Monaco.
- Institute of Materials, China Academy of Engineering Physics, Mianyang, 621900, China.
| | - Isabelle Levy
- International Atomic Energy Agency, Marine Environment Laboratories, 4 Quai Antoine 1er, 98000, Monaco, Principality of Monaco
| | - Emilia Vassileva
- International Atomic Energy Agency, Marine Environment Laboratories, 4 Quai Antoine 1er, 98000, Monaco, Principality of Monaco
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4
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Certification of the First Uranium Oxide micro-particle reference materials for Nuclear Safety and Security, IRMM-2329P and IRMM-2331P. J Radioanal Nucl Chem 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s10967-022-08255-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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5
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Zhang L, Xiong P, Zhang H, Chen L, Xu J, Wu H, Qin Z. Graphene Oxide Carburization Enhanced Ionization Efficiency for TIMS Isotope Ratio Analysis of Uranium at Trace Level. Anal Chem 2019; 91:7215-7225. [PMID: 31082218 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.9b00543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Isotope analysis of trace uranium is important in nuclear safeguards and nuclear forensics, which requires the analytical methodologies with high sensitivity, accuracy, and precision. As one of the most powerful techniques in isotopic measurement, thermal ionization mass spectrometry (TIMS) usually suffers from its relatively low sensitivity in ultratrace measurements. To overcome this limitation, we have developed a new filament carburization technique for TIMS, with graphene oxide (GO) as the ionization enhancer. A high and steady ionization efficiency of ∼0.2% for uranium was achieved in single-filament mode, which was 10× the classical double-filament method. With total evaporation (TE) measurements, this method was validated with certified reference materials (CRMs) at the picogram level, and the relative uncertainties for n(235U)/ n(238U) were as low as the ∼1% level. The enhancement mechanism of GO's promoting effect on uranium ionization was attributed to the uniform microstructure facilitating energy transfer and formation of carbides. This approach provides an alternative simple and rapid method for trace uranium isotope analysis with high sensitivity and excellent repeatability. Filament carburization and uranium loading could be accomplished within 10 min. This technique has great advantage in analysis of trace uranium isotope ratios and can be applied in the researches of environmental analysis and nuclear forensics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ling Zhang
- Institute of Materials , China Academy of Engineering Physics , Mianyang , 621900 , China
| | - Penghui Xiong
- Institute of Materials , China Academy of Engineering Physics , Mianyang , 621900 , China
| | - Hailu Zhang
- Institute of Materials , China Academy of Engineering Physics , Mianyang , 621900 , China
| | - Lumin Chen
- Institute of Materials , China Academy of Engineering Physics , Mianyang , 621900 , China
| | - Jie Xu
- Institute of Materials , China Academy of Engineering Physics , Mianyang , 621900 , China
| | - Haoxi Wu
- Institute of Materials , China Academy of Engineering Physics , Mianyang , 621900 , China
| | - Zhen Qin
- Institute of Materials , China Academy of Engineering Physics , Mianyang , 621900 , China
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6
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Middendorp R, Klinkenberg M, Dürr M. Uranium oxide microparticle suspensions for the production of reference materials for micro-analytical methods. J Radioanal Nucl Chem 2018. [DOI: 10.1007/s10967-018-6076-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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7
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Experimental evaluation of uranium ion signal intensity enhancement of TIMS using graphite powder deposition on uranium samples. J Radioanal Nucl Chem 2018. [DOI: 10.1007/s10967-018-5768-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
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8
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Murphy DM, Froyd KD, Apel E, Blake D, Blake N, Evangeliou N, Hornbrook RS, Peischl J, Ray E, Ryerson TB, Thompson C, Stohl A. An aerosol particle containing enriched uranium encountered in the remote upper troposphere. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RADIOACTIVITY 2018; 184-185:95-100. [PMID: 29407642 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvrad.2018.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2017] [Revised: 01/05/2018] [Accepted: 01/07/2018] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
We describe a submicron aerosol particle sampled at an altitude of 7 km near the Aleutian Islands that contained a small percentage of enriched uranium oxide. 235U was 3.1 ± 0.5% of 238U. During twenty years of aircraft sampling of millions of particles in the global atmosphere, we have rarely encountered a particle with a similarly high content of 238U and never a particle with enriched 235U. The bulk of the particle consisted of material consistent with combustion of heavy fuel oil. Analysis of wind trajectories and particle dispersion model results show that the particle could have originated from a variety of areas across Asia. The source of such a particle is unclear, and the particle is described here in case it indicates a novel source where enriched uranium was dispersed.
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Affiliation(s)
- D M Murphy
- NOAA ESRL Chemical Sciences Division, Boulder, CO, USA.
| | - K D Froyd
- NOAA ESRL Chemical Sciences Division, Boulder, CO, USA; Cooperative Institute for Research in the Environmental Sciences, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO, USA
| | - E Apel
- Atmospheric Chemistry Observations & Modeling Laboratory, National Center for Atmospheric Research, Boulder, CO, USA
| | - D Blake
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - N Blake
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - N Evangeliou
- NILU - Norwegian Institute for Air Research, Norway
| | - R S Hornbrook
- Atmospheric Chemistry Observations & Modeling Laboratory, National Center for Atmospheric Research, Boulder, CO, USA
| | - J Peischl
- NOAA ESRL Chemical Sciences Division, Boulder, CO, USA; Cooperative Institute for Research in the Environmental Sciences, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO, USA
| | - E Ray
- NOAA ESRL Chemical Sciences Division, Boulder, CO, USA; Cooperative Institute for Research in the Environmental Sciences, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO, USA
| | - T B Ryerson
- NOAA ESRL Chemical Sciences Division, Boulder, CO, USA
| | - C Thompson
- NOAA ESRL Chemical Sciences Division, Boulder, CO, USA; Cooperative Institute for Research in the Environmental Sciences, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO, USA
| | - A Stohl
- NILU - Norwegian Institute for Air Research, Norway
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9
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Experimental evaluation of the detection methods of thermal ionization mass spectrometry for isotopic analysis of ultra-trace level uranium. Microchem J 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.microc.2017.11.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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10
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Park JH, Choi EJ. Simultaneous determination of the quantity and isotopic ratios of uranium in individual micro-particles by isotope dilution thermal ionization mass spectrometry (ID-TIMS). Talanta 2016; 160:600-606. [PMID: 27591656 DOI: 10.1016/j.talanta.2016.08.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2016] [Revised: 07/27/2016] [Accepted: 08/01/2016] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
A method to determine the quantity and isotopic ratios of uranium in individual micro-particles simultaneously by isotope dilution thermal ionization mass spectrometry (ID-TIMS) has been developed. This method consists of sequential sample and spike loading, ID-TIMS for isotopic measurement, and application of a series of mathematical procedures to remove the contribution of uranium in the spike. The homogeneity of evaporation and ionization of uranium content was confirmed by the consistent ratio of n((233)U)/n((238)U) determined by TIMS measurements. Verification of the method was performed using U030 solution droplets and U030 particles. Good agreements of resulting uranium quantity, n((235)U)/n((238)U), and n((236)U)/n((238)U) with the estimated or certified values showed the validity of this newly developed method for particle analysis when simultaneous determination of the quantity and isotopic ratios of uranium is required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jong-Ho Park
- Nuclear Chemistry Research Division, Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute, 111 Daedeok-daero-989, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, 34057 Republic of Korea.
| | - Eun-Ju Choi
- Nuclear Chemistry Research Division, Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute, 111 Daedeok-daero-989, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, 34057 Republic of Korea
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11
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Sturm M, Richter S, Aregbe Y, Wellum R, Prohaska T. Optimized Chemical Separation and Measurement by TE TIMS Using Carburized Filaments for Uranium Isotope Ratio Measurements Applied to Plutonium Chronometry. Anal Chem 2016; 88:6223-30. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.5b03852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Monika Sturm
- Department
of Chemistry, VIRIS Laboratory, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences (BOKU), Vienna, Konrad-Lorenz-Strasse 24, A-3430 Tulln, Austria
| | - Stephan Richter
- European Commission,
Joint Research Centre, Institute for Reference Materials and Measurements, Retieseweg 111, B-2440 Geel, Belgium
| | - Yetunde Aregbe
- European Commission,
Joint Research Centre, Institute for Reference Materials and Measurements, Retieseweg 111, B-2440 Geel, Belgium
| | - Roger Wellum
- European Commission,
Joint Research Centre, Institute for Reference Materials and Measurements, Retieseweg 111, B-2440 Geel, Belgium
| | - Thomas Prohaska
- Department
of Chemistry, VIRIS Laboratory, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences (BOKU), Vienna, Konrad-Lorenz-Strasse 24, A-3430 Tulln, Austria
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12
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Esaka F, Suzuki D, Magara M. Identifying Uranium Particles Using Fission Tracks and Microsampling Individual Particles for Analysis Using Thermal Ionization Mass Spectrometry. Anal Chem 2015; 87:3107-13. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.5b00236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Fumitaka Esaka
- Research Group for Analytical Chemistry, Japan Atomic Energy Agency, 2-4 Shirakata-Shirane, Tokai, Naka, Ibaraki 319-1195, Japan
| | - Daisuke Suzuki
- Research Group for Analytical Chemistry, Japan Atomic Energy Agency, 2-4 Shirakata-Shirane, Tokai, Naka, Ibaraki 319-1195, Japan
| | - Masaaki Magara
- Research Group for Analytical Chemistry, Japan Atomic Energy Agency, 2-4 Shirakata-Shirane, Tokai, Naka, Ibaraki 319-1195, Japan
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13
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Willingham D, Naes BE, Fahey AJ. Validating mass spectrometry measurements of nuclear materials via a non-contact volume analysis method of ion sputter craters. J Radioanal Nucl Chem 2015. [DOI: 10.1007/s10967-014-3313-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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14
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Evaluation of chronometers in plutonium age determination for nuclear forensics: What if the ‘Pu/U clocks’ do not match? J Radioanal Nucl Chem 2014. [DOI: 10.1007/s10967-014-3294-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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15
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Stefaniak EA, Pointurier F, Marie O, Truyens J, Aregbe Y. In-SEM Raman microspectroscopy coupled with EDX – a case study of uranium reference particles. Analyst 2014; 139:668-75. [DOI: 10.1039/c3an01872e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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16
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Jakopič R, Sturm M, Kraiem M, Richter S, Aregbe Y. Certified reference materials and reference methods for nuclear safeguards and security. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RADIOACTIVITY 2013; 125:17-22. [PMID: 23507450 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvrad.2013.02.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2013] [Accepted: 02/17/2013] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Confidence in comparability and reliability of measurement results in nuclear material and environmental sample analysis are established via certified reference materials (CRMs), reference measurements, and inter-laboratory comparisons (ILCs). Increased needs for quality control tools in proliferation resistance, environmental sample analysis, development of measurement capabilities over the years and progress in modern analytical techniques are the main reasons for the development of new reference materials and reference methods for nuclear safeguards and security. The Institute for Reference Materials and Measurements (IRMM) prepares and certifices large quantities of the so-called "large-sized dried" (LSD) spikes for accurate measurement of the uranium and plutonium content in dissolved nuclear fuel solutions by isotope dilution mass spectrometry (IDMS) and also develops particle reference materials applied for the detection of nuclear signatures in environmental samples. IRMM is currently replacing some of its exhausted stocks of CRMs with new ones whose specifications are up-to-date and tailored for the demands of modern analytical techniques. Some of the existing materials will be re-measured to improve the uncertainties associated with their certified values, and to enable laboratories to reduce their combined measurement uncertainty. Safeguards involve the quantitative verification by independent measurements so that no nuclear material is diverted from its intended peaceful use. Safeguards authorities pay particular attention to plutonium and the uranium isotope (235)U, indicating the so-called 'enrichment', in nuclear material and in environmental samples. In addition to the verification of the major ratios, n((235)U)/n((238)U) and n((240)Pu)/n((239)Pu), the minor ratios of the less abundant uranium and plutonium isotopes contain valuable information about the origin and the 'history' of material used for commercial or possibly clandestine purposes, and have therefore reached high level of attention for safeguards authorities. Furthermore, IRMM initiated and coordinated the development of a Modified Total Evaporation (MTE) technique for accurate abundance ratio measurements of the "minor" isotope-amount ratios of uranium and plutonium in nuclear material and, in combination with a multi-dynamic measurement technique and filament carburization, in environmental samples. Currently IRMM is engaged in a study on the development of plutonium reference materials for "age dating", i.e. determination of the time elapsed since the last separation of plutonium from its daughter nuclides. The decay of a radioactive parent isotope and the build-up of a corresponding amount of daughter nuclide serve as chronometer to calculate the age of a nuclear material. There are no such certified reference materials available yet.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Jakopič
- European Commission - Joint Research Centre, Institute for Reference Materials and Measurements (IRMM), Retieseweg 111, 2440 Geel, Belgium.
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17
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Stefaniak EA, Darchuk L, Sapundjiev D, Kips R, Aregbe Y, Van Grieken R. New insight into UO2F2 particulate structure by micro-Raman spectroscopy. J Mol Struct 2013. [DOI: 10.1016/j.molstruc.2013.02.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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18
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Electrochemically modulated separations for rapid and sensitive isotopic analysis. J Radioanal Nucl Chem 2012. [DOI: 10.1007/s10967-012-2085-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
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19
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Kraiem M, Richter S, Erdmann N, Kühn H, Hedberg M, Aregbe Y. Characterizing uranium oxide reference particles for isotopic abundances and uranium mass by single particle isotope dilution mass spectrometry. Anal Chim Acta 2012; 748:37-44. [PMID: 23021805 DOI: 10.1016/j.aca.2012.08.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2012] [Revised: 08/08/2012] [Accepted: 08/13/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
Uranium and plutonium particulate test materials are becoming increasingly important as the reliability of measurement results has to be demonstrated to regulatory bodies responsible for maintaining effective nuclear safeguards. In order to address this issue, the Institute for Reference Materials and Measurements (IRMM) in collaboration with the Institute for Transuranium Elements (ITU) has initiated a study to investigate the feasibility of preparing and characterizing a uranium particle reference material for nuclear safeguards, which is finally certified for isotopic abundances and for the uranium mass per particle. Such control particles are specifically required to evaluate responses of instruments based on mass spectrometric detection (e.g. SIMS, TIMS, LA-ICPMS) and to help ensuring the reliability and comparability of measurement results worldwide. In this paper, a methodology is described which allows quantifying the uranium mass in single micron particles by isotope dilution thermal ionization mass spectrometry (ID-TIMS). This methodology is characterized by substantial improvements recently achieved at IRMM in terms of sensitivity and measurement accuracy in the field of uranium particle analysis by TIMS. The use of monodisperse uranium oxide particles prepared using an aerosol generation technique developed at ITU, which is capable of producing particles of well-characterized size and isotopic composition was exploited. The evidence of a straightforward correlation between the particle volume and the mass of uranium was demonstrated in this study. Experimental results have shown that the uranium mass per particle can be measured via the ID-TIMS method to a relative expanded uncertainty of about 10% (coverage factor k=2). The availability of reliable and validated methods for the characterization of uranium particles is considered to be essential for the establishment of SI-traceable measurement results. It is therefore expected that the method developed in this study is valuable for the certification of particulate materials in which the isotopic composition and the content of uranium must be accurately known.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Kraiem
- European Commission, Joint Research Centre, Institute for Reference Materials and Measurements, Retieseweg 111, B-2440 Geel, Belgium.
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20
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RIMS analysis of ion induced fragmentation of molecules sputtered from an enriched U3O8 matrix. J Radioanal Nucl Chem 2012. [DOI: 10.1007/s10967-012-2028-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
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21
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Esaka F, Lee CG, Magara M, Kimura T. Fission track–secondary ion mass spectrometry as a tool for detecting the isotopic signature of individual uranium containing particles. Anal Chim Acta 2012; 721:122-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.aca.2012.01.045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2011] [Revised: 01/20/2012] [Accepted: 01/24/2012] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
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22
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Pointurier F, Pottin AC, Hubert A. Application of Nanosecond-UV Laser Ablation–Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry for the Isotopic Analysis of Single Submicrometer-Size Uranium Particles. Anal Chem 2011; 83:7841-8. [DOI: 10.1021/ac201596t] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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