Work

Fast electrodeposition of short-lived tellurium radioisotopes by flow electrolytic underpotential deposition on Au and Pt

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Electrodeposition is an attractive strategy for the purification and separation of radionuclides. Applications include their production for uses related to cancer diagnostic and therapy, their analytical characterization, and fundamental studies of the chemical properties of radioelements, including superheavy elements. In many of the mentioned applications, short-lived radionuclides are present in ultra-trace quantities. As a result, their electrodeposition is largely influenced by underpotential deposition (UPD) and cannot be studied by conventional electrochemical means. The aim of this work was the design and implementation of a methodology which enables the study of the electrodeposition behavior of short-lived radionuclides at carrier-free conditions. These were obtained in the form of fission products from the neutron-induced fission of 235 U and their transport via the gas-jet technique. A mixer-degasser unit was implemented for the direct online transfer of ≈ 50 % radionuclide-loaded aerosol particles into the liquid phase. This enabled the interfacing of the gas-jet system with a flow-through electrolysis cell for the cathodic electrodeposition of short-lived 134 Te as proof-of-concept. Based on a comparison with results from cyclic voltammetry, UPD was shown to be the main mechanism responsible for the electrodeposition of 134 Te on Au and Pt. Furthermore, it could be demonstrated that UPD affords a fast separation of short-lived radionuclides in carrier-free conditions by fine-tuning the electrode material and chemical conditions. The developed approach enables the determination of electrochemical properties of short-lived radionuclides via their separation at carrier-free concentrations.

Source: Electrochimica Acta

DOI: 10.1016/j.electacta.2026.148215

Authors: Paul Dutheil, Noemi Cerboni, Martin Heule, Augustin Pelletier, Patrick Steinegger

Institutions: Paul Scherrer Institute, ETH Zurich

Language: English

Topic: Electrodeposition and Electroless Coatings

Subfield: Electrical and Electronic Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,790

Funder: Eidgenössisches Nuklearsicherheitsinspektorat