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Radiochemical fast neutron activation analysis of high-purity metals for phosphorus

Journal Article · · Analytical Chemistry (Washington); (USA)
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1021/ac00196a004· OSTI ID:5974045
A fast neutron activation method for the determination of phosphorus in high-purity materials was developed. It is based on the {sup 31}P(n,p){sup 31}Si reaction and the radiochemical separation of the indicator radionuclide {sup 31}Si by distillation as silicon tetrafluoride followed by counting the {beta} activity with a liquid scintillation system. Fast neutrons were produced by bombarding a thick beryllium target with deuterons, using an irradiation system with a rotating sample holder. The dependence of the sensitivity and of the extent of primary interference reactions included on silicon, sulfur, chlorine, and potassium on the deuteron energy was investigated in the energy interval 23-53 MeV. For a deuteron energy of 53 MeV, a beam intensity of 10 {mu}A, and an irradiation time of 2.5 h, a limit of detection of 3 ng/g is achievable. The method was applied to the determination of phosphorus in different metals, and the results obtained were compared with those found by other methods.
OSTI ID:
5974045
Journal Information:
Analytical Chemistry (Washington); (USA), Journal Name: Analytical Chemistry (Washington); (USA) Vol. 61:21; ISSN 0003-2700; ISSN ANCHA
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English