Electrodeposition of actinide compounds from an aqueous ammonium acetate matrix: Experimental development and optimization

Electrodeposition is a technique routinely employed in nuclear research for the preparation of thin solid films of actinide materials used in accelerator beam bombardments, irradiation studies, or as radioactive sources. This study investigates the deposition of both lanthanides and actinides from an aqueous ammonium acetate electrolyte matrix. Electrodepositions were performed primarily on stainless steel disks, with yield analysis evaluated using γ-spectroscopy. Experimental parameters (run time, current density, voltage, electrolyte concentration, and initial analyte mass) were studied and modified to optimize the uniformity and adherence of the deposition while maximizing yield. The procedure utilized samarium as the plating material, both with and without a radioactive tracer. Surface characterization studies were performed by scanning electron microscopy, electron microprobe analysis, radiographic imaging, and x-ray diffraction.