Investigation of key factors in preparation of alpha sources by electrodeposition

The electrodeposition for alpha source preparation, using several electrolyte solution-cathode material combinations, is investigated and evaluated. The investigated factors focused on the electrodeposition time, the applied current, electrolyte volume and anode-cathode distances for the conventional electrodeposition cell (with no external stirring or cooling system). The conditions (temperature and the solution pH) during the electrodeposition process were also studied and discussed. The optimized parameters for each system are provided, and evaluated for the usage in determination of actinides (uranium, plutonium, americium and curium radioisotopes) in various samples.