Neutron activation analysis of lithium niobate

A radiochemical neutron activation analysis procedure for the determination of Ta, W, Ir, Pt, Au, Cu, Cr, Co and Zn in lithium niobate has been developed. The method involves a one-step removal of radioactive nuclides of Nb, Ta and W representing the dominating radioactivity of the irradiated sample. After irradiation, the sample is fused with inactive carriers and Na₂O₂ in a nickel crucible. The fused cake is dissolved in HCl–H₂O₂ and Nb, Ta and W are homogeneously precipitated. The impurities are separated by combinations of precipitation and ion-exchange separations for precise -ray measurements with an overall chemical yield of 70% to 90%. The results are discussed.