Solid-phase extraction microfluidic devices for matrix removal in trace element assay of actinide materials

Journal Article · 02 February 2017 · Talanta

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.talanta.2017.01.080 · OSTI ID:1343715

Gao, Jun ^[1]; Manard, Benjamin Thomas ^[1]; Castro, Alonso  ^[1]; Montoya, Dennis Patrick ^[1]; Xu, Ning ^[1]; Chamberlin, Rebecca M.  ^[1]

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1. Los Alamos National Lab. (LANL), Los Alamos, NM (United States)

Advances in sample nebulization and injection technology have significantly reduced the volume of solution required for trace impurity analysis in plutonium and uranium materials. Correspondingly, we have designed and tested a novel chip-based microfluidic platform, containing a 100-µL or 20-µL solid-phase microextraction column, packed by centrifugation, which supports nuclear material mass and solution volume reductions of 90% or more compared to standard methods. Quantitative recovery of 28 trace elements in uranium was demonstrated using a UTEVA chromatographic resin column, and trace element recovery from thorium (a surrogate for plutonium) was similarly demonstrated using anion exchange resin AG MP-1. Of nine materials tested, compatibility of polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polypropylene (PP), and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) chips with the strong nitric acid media was highest. Finally, the microcolumns can be incorporated into a variety of devices and systems, and can be loaded with other solid-phase resins for trace element assay in high-purity metals.

• Research Organization: Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL)
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA); USDOE National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA). Office of Defense Programs (DP) (NA-10)
• Grant/Contract Number: AC52-06NA25396
• OSTI ID: 1343715
• Report Number(s): LA-UR-16-26781
• Journal Information: Talanta, Journal Name: Talanta Journal Issue: C Vol. 167; ISSN 0039-9140
• Publisher: ElsevierCopyright Statement
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English