Popis: |
It is shown that the method of x-ray emission spectrometry can be extended advantageously to the determination of plutonium in solution, Since K and L x-ray emission from the elements of higher atomic number is not measurably influenced by valence state of the emitting atom or ion, this physical method is especially attractive for elements such as plutonium whose chemistry is intricate and whose chemical analysis is complicated by several valence states existing in solution. Nor is it affected by variations in isotopic content as is the widely used radiochemical assay for plutonium. With a total amount of plutonium between 0.4 and 0.8 mg the standard deviation of a single result is less than 1 per cent. For samples of diverse origin interferences are eliminated, usually by simple chemical pre-treatment or by separation procedures, to give a clean solution for analysis. On the other hand, for large numbers of samples with a comparable matrix, it is worthwhile to devise calibration standards so that such samples can be analyzed directly. (auth) |