Determination of impurities in detonation nanodiamonds by gamma activation analysis method

•Impurities in commercial nanodiamonds were analyzed with gamma-activation method.•Twelve impurity elements were detected and quantified in these nanodiamonds.•After modification nanodiamonds are subjected to additional contamination (Fe, Ti).•Total impurities in the analyzed nanodiamonds vary from 0.1 to 3 wt.%.

This paper describes the use of gamma activation analysis methods for determining impurities in detonation nanodiamonds (DNDs) from different manufacturers, in different probes of the same batch from the same manufacturer, in chemically modified DNDs, and in DND–glycine conjugate. Twelve impurity elements were detected and quantified in DND samples: Cl, Ti, Cr, Fe, Ni, Zr, Mo, Sb, Sr, Mn, U and Eu. The content of impurity elements in DND samples varies from 0.1 to 3 wt.%. Considering possible medical applications of DND, compliance with approved maximum permissible concentrations of heavy metals in medicinal agents is required.

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