Cadmium-109 sources for trace analysis by X-ray fluorescence

Procedures for preparing¹⁰⁹Cd sources suitable for use in trace-element analysis by the X-ray fluorescence method were investigated. Sources were prepared from¹⁰⁹Cd in a 0.1N HCl solution by three different techniques: (a) electrodeposition of¹⁰⁹Cd onto a silver plate, which was then enclosed in a silver housing; (b) electrodeposition onto a lead foil, enclosed in a lead housing; (c) sorption of the¹⁰⁹Cd on a Permutit anionic exchange membrane, which was then enclosed in a silver housing. Using identical test conditions, the best results were obtained with the last-mentioned source, which was used successfully for the determination of Br and Pb in organic materials at concentration levels of ppm.