Study of the Spectral Interferences of Zirconium on Other Analytes in the Analysis of Nuclear Materials by CCD-based ICP-AES

摘要

The major problem of determining trace analytes in nuclear materials by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES) is the spectral interference of matrix elements such as U, Pu, Zr, Th, etc., originating from their line-rich emission spectra. Chemical of physical separation of the major matrix followed by the determination of trace metallic impurities in the raffinate. is a well-accepted protocol in the nuclear industries. However, separation involves handling of the materials which increases the chances of contamination. In this study, the spectral interferences of zirconium on the different analytical lines of 13 analytes (B, Cd, Sm, Dy, Gd, Na, Mg, Cr, Ca, V, Sn, Pb, and Ag) were evaluated to identify the interference-free lines of those elements in the presence of a Zr matrix. A charged coupled detector (CCD) was used because it offers more flexibility in the choice of additional analytical lines. The sensitivity and the detection limits of the analytical channels of the elements in the presence of a zirconium matrix were calculated. An analytical method was also developed for the determination of zirconium by ICP-AES, including identification of suitable analytical lines (343.823nm, 257.139 nm, and 272.262 nm) and their analytical performance such as sensitivity and detection limits.