Studies for simultaneous quantitative electrodeposition of plutonium and americium for alpha-spectrometry

For high resolution alpha-spectrometric studies, the sources of alpha-emitting actinides are generally prepared by electrodeposition. Usually, by electrodeposition of only one element can be achieved quantitatively. A method was developed for the simultaneous quantitative electrodeposition of plutonium and americium, in two hours using 0.005M oxalic acid with saturated ammonium chloride. The alpha-spectral characteristics of sources prepared by this method were better than those prepared by the drop deposition method. This electrodeposition procedure was validated with nuclear fuel samples containing plutonium and americium.