Coupling between a calix[6]arene-based chromatography column and ICP-MS for on-line actinide analysis

Abstract

A method based on the coupling of a calixarene column used for the preconcentration of actinides to a quadrupole ICP-MS was developed for the separation of actinides and their on-line detection. First, a flow injection system was developed for aqueous U, Pu and Am on-line ICP-MS analysis. Then, chromatography parameters such as the column diameter and flow rates were optimised using the theoretical plate model. The detection limits achieved are 0.6 ng (7 μBq) for ²³⁸U, 16 pg (37 mBq) for ²³⁹Pu and 0.21 pg (27 mBq) for ²⁴¹Am. The signal improvement achieved by this coupling method was discussed and compared to “dilute and shoot” analysis. Finally, this method was validated on certified reference materials of ²³⁸U, ²³⁹Pu and ²⁴¹Am, at concentration levels close to the detection limits.