DETERMINATION OF RU AND PD BY DELAYED X-RAY SPECTROMETRY AFTER FAST-NEUTRON ACTIVATION

Delayed X-ray spectrometry preceded by fast neutron activation is a re latively new technique and its use as an analytical tool for the speci fic determination of Ru and Pd in small, powdered samples has been eva luated. Detection of delayed X-rays was achieved using a 100-mm2 Ge de tector whose ability to produce optimum photopeak-to-noise ratios was exploited in this investigation. Analytical conditions are demonstrate d over a range of concentrations for the elements of interest and the potential of the technique for general routine analysis of Ru and Pd i s discussed. Interferences from the sample matrix can be suppressed to a degree which makes the method almost independent of the matrix, and the technique provides a strong rival to conventional activation anal ysis.