High-precision cerium isotope analysis by thermal ionization mass spectrometry using the Ce⁺ technique

Abstract

A new method is presented for high-precision measurement of cerium isotope ratios in geological samples by TIMS with the Ce+ technique.

Atomic spectrometry update: review of advances in atomic spectrometry and related techniques

“…Wenting Bu et al 176 detailed the analysis of Ce isotopes by TIMS. Following an oxide-based separation procedure, their technique measured Ce as Ce + , rather than CeO + , with ionisation from Re filaments with Re–Pt and TaF as activators.…”

Evaluation of Graphene Oxide as a Thermal Ionization Enhancer for Plutonium in TIMS Measurement

“…The in situ formed porous Pt–Re microstructure on the filament remarkably improved the sample utilization due to the increased interaction surface for ion emission. It has been proven as a kind of excellent ionization enhancer for Pu, , Am, U, Th, Nd, and Ce . A high ionization efficiency of approximately 1% for Pu was obtained .…”

Determination of the 144Ce/238U atomic ratio in spent nuclear fuel using double spike isotope dilution mass spectrometry

“…Moreover, high-precision Ce isotope measurements have been carried out for years by mass spectrometry using TIMS as an elemental (Ce + ) or an oxide (CeO − ) species 10–16 and by MC-ICPMS 11,17 on various types of geological samples not containing 144 Ce. Prior to mass spectrometry analysis by TIMS and MC-ICPMS, in order to remove the spectral and non-spectral interferences, an efficient separation of cerium from the other elements must be performed.…”

“…Double spike isotope dilution mass spectrometry has previously been applied for the accurate and precise determination of (1) radionuclide ratios in nuclear fuels before irradiation, such as 166 Er/ 238 U, 5 or in irradiated materials, such as 241 Am/ 238 U, 244 Cm/ 238 U, 90 Sr/ 238 U, 166 Er/ 238 U, and 152 Sm/ 153 Eu, [6][7][8] and (2) U and Pu content in irradiated materials using large-size dried spikes. 9 Moreover, high-precision Ce isotope measurements have been carried out for years by mass spectrometry using TIMS as an elemental (Ce + ) or an oxide (CeO À ) species [10][11][12][13][14][15][16] and by MC-ICPMS 11,17 on various types of geological samples not containing 144 Ce. Prior to mass spectrometry analysis by TIMS and MC-ICPMS, in order to remove the spectral and non-spectral interferences, an efficient separation of cerium from the other elements must be performed.…”