The determination of traces of osmium and iridium in samples of palladium and platinum by neutron-activation analysis

Abstract

A method is described for the determination of ultramicro quantities of osmium and indium in samples of palladium and platinum. In order to avoid self-shielding differences between samples and standards during neutron irradiation, standards have been prepared by the addition of very small known amounts of osmium and iridium to analytical samples. In the analysis of palladium samples the Harwell Pile BEPO has been used as the neutron source. To avoid spurious results due (n,p) and (n,α) reactions, the Pile DIDO has had to be used for neutron-activation of samples of platinum. Each determination requires 0.1 g of sample, and radiochemical separations using carriers have been used to isolate the induced osmium and iridium activities. Results are quoted for the osmium and iridium contents of some pure palladium and platinum samples.