Method Development of a Rapid Analytical Technique for Nuclear Materials in Complex Matrices Using Isotope Dilution-High Pressure Ion Chromatography-Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ID-HPIC-ICPMS)

A rapid separation-direct analysis scheme to determine both concentration and isotopics of a suite of elements down to the low picogram level has been developed. With the goal being the rapid analysis of nuclear materials in complex matrices, this first phase in method development has shown the sensitivity, stability, and robustness to complex matrices to achieve precise, low level analyses. By coupling a high-pressure ion chromatography (HPIC) system to an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer (ICP-MS), matrix exclusion and online analysis of the separated components of the sample is achieved directly. When combined with isotope dilution (ID), this method shows the potential to yield precise isotopic composition and concentrations in complex systems, providing a rapid analytical method that encompasses transition metals, refractory metals, lanthanide elements, and actinide elements. Method development, robustness, sensitivity, uncertainties, and potential applications in nuclear measurements will be discussed in this paper.