Impact of lowering potassium contamination in liquid scintillation cocktails for ultra-sensitive radiation detection

Rocco, Nicole D.; Arnquist, Isaac J.; Back, Henning O.; Bliss, Mary; Bronikowski, Michael; di Vacri, Marie Laura; Edwards, Ellen R.; Hackett, Brianne R.; Hoppe, Eric W.; Lyons, Stephanie M.; Rosero, R.; Seifert, Harry A.; Swindle, Ashlee; Yeh, Minfang

doi:10.1007/s10967-023-09105-x

Title: Impact of lowering potassium contamination in liquid scintillation cocktails for ultra-sensitive radiation detection

Journal Article · 17 August 2023 · Journal of Radioanalytical and Nuclear Chemistry

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10967-023-09105-x · OSTI ID:2246613

^[1]; Arnquist, Isaac J. ^[1]; Back, Henning O. ^[1];

^[1]; Bronikowski, Michael ^[2]; di Vacri, Marie Laura ^[1]; Edwards, Ellen R. ^[1]; Hackett, Brianne R. ^[1];

^[1]; Lyons, Stephanie M. ^[1]; Rosero, R. ^[3];

^[1]; Swindle, Ashlee ^[2]; Yeh, Minfang ^[3]

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), Richland, WA (United States)
Savannah River National Laboratory (SRNL), Aiken, SC (United States)
Brookhaven National Laboratory (BNL), Upton, NY (United States)

Intrinsic ⁴⁰K radioactive backgrounds from impurities of natural K in liquid scintillation cocktails have previously been demonstrated to limit their use in ultra-sensitive applications. Here, this work explores two methodologies in parallel for the reduction of ⁴⁰K backgrounds in the cocktails, and lays the groundwork for use in ultra-sensitive applications. In one method, alternative low-K liquid scintillation matrix constituents were identified and in the other, a simple purification method for single components and finished cocktails was developed. Both methods were verified via ICP-MS analysis. Liquid scintillation counting of selected purified cocktails demonstrated background reduction, improved stability, and enhanced performance. The best performing purified cocktail was also counted on a custom-built ultra-low background liquid scintillation counter, with results below the detector background.

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Research Organization:: Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), Richland, WA (United States)

Sponsoring Organization:: USDOE National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA), Office of Defense Nuclear Nonproliferation

Grant/Contract Number:: AC05-76RL01830

OSTI ID:: 2246613

Report Number(s):: PNNL-SA--185642

Journal Information:: Journal of Radioanalytical and Nuclear Chemistry, Journal Name: Journal of Radioanalytical and Nuclear Chemistry Journal Issue: 10 Vol. 332; ISSN 0236-5731

Publisher:: SpringerCopyright Statement

Country of Publication:: United States

Language:: English

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ICP-MS analysis
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