ICP-OES based methodology for determination of critical elements in U3Si2 matrix

This manuscript deals with the development of ICP-OES based methodology for the determination critical elements: B, Cd, Eu, Sm, Gd and Dy in U3Si2 matrix. The sample was dissolved in HNO3 with catalytic amount of HF. To avoid spectral interference of uranium, five contacts of TOPO-CCl4 have been given for preferential separation of U, leaving behind the critical elements into the aqueous phase. Though measurable quantity of Si was also co-extracted with U into the organic phase; however, the critical elements remained in aqueous phase. Five contacts of organic phase were found to be sufficient in bringing down concentration of U below tolerance level in aqueous raffinate. This methodology was validated using synthetic samples. The optimization was done by choosing interference free analytical lines of the analytes, determination of detection limits, linear dynamic range, sensitivity and precision. Actual samples were analyzed using the optimized methodology and the results were found to be satisfactory.