In situ liquid SIMS analysis of uranium oxide

Journal Article · Mon Jun 01 00:00:00 EDT 2020 · Surface and Interface Analysis

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1002/sia.6799· OSTI ID:1631384

Yu, Xiao‐Ying  ^[1]; Yao, Jennifer ^[1]; Buck, Edgar C. ^[2]; Zhu, Zihua ^[3]

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1. Energy Processes and Materials Division, Energy and Environment Directorate Pacific Northwest National Laboratory Richland WA 99354 USA
2. Nuclear Chemistry and Engineering Division, Energy and Environment Directorate Pacific Northwest National Laboratory Richland WA 99354 USA
3. Scientific Resources Division, W. R. Wiley Environmental Molecular Science Laboratory Pacific Northwest National Laboratory Richland WA 99354 USA

Trace analysis of nuclear materials in solid particles collected in the environment or particles in liquid slurry generated in nuclear material manufacturing processes can pinpoint elemental, organic, and isotopic signatures of nuclear fuel cycle activities and processes. Such information can support nuclear safeguards programs by increasing our ability to detect undeclared nuclear materials, routine activities for safeguarding at declared facilities, and illicit activities. However, trace radioactive material analysis in liquids and slurries is challenging using bulk approaches. For example, one drawback of sensitive analysis such as inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP‐MS) is that sample is consumed or destroyed as a result of the technical approach. We developed a vacuum compatible microfluidic interface to enable surface analysis of liquids and solid–liquid interactions using time‐of‐flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF‐SIMS). In this work, we illustrate the initial results from the analysis of liquid uranium oxide standard solutions using in situ liquid SIMS. Because the liquid SIMS analysis is almost nondestructive, the same sample can then be analyzed by other analytical techniques or saved for future reference. Consequently, multimodal analysis is possible. Our results demonstrate that in situ liquid SIMS can be used as a new approach to analyze radioactive materials in liquid and slurry forms of relevance to diverse applications.

• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE
• Grant/Contract Number: 60410
• OSTI ID: 1631384
• Journal Information: Surface and Interface Analysis, Journal Name: Surface and Interface Analysis Vol. 52 Journal Issue: 7; ISSN 0142-2421
• Publisher: Wiley Blackwell (John Wiley & Sons)
• Country of Publication: United Kingdom
• Language: English