PREPARATION OF AN ELECTRODEPOSITED SOURCE OF MN-54

A new electrolyte for electrodeposition (ED) of Mn-54 on stainless ste el (SS) and ED of Mn at ppm/sub-ppm levels with a deposition yield of similar to 90% was developed. The operating conditions for ED of Mn-54 in order to prepare a radioactive source for the Activity Deposition Sodium Loop (ADL) at the Safety Research and Health Physics Group in t he context of reactor safety studies for fast breeder reactors were ev aluated. The influence of temperature and the use of mixed solvent ele ctrolytes on the deposition yield was highlighted. The performance of industrial electrolytes was compared with that of the new electrolyte with respect to deposition of Mn on SS at ppm level. The rate constant for ED of Mn-54 (no carrier added, n.c.a.) has been determined.