Electrochemical deposition of carrier-free radionuclides

Abstract

The potential associated with the electrochemical deposition of radionuclides in metallic form from solutions of extremely small concentration is strongly influenced by the choice of the electrode material. In a macroscopic model, the interaction between the microcomponent and the electrode material is described by the partial molar adsorption enthalpy and -entropy. By combination with the thermodynamic description of the electrode process, a potential is calculated that characterizes the process at 50% deposition. Model calculations for Ni-, Cu-, Pd-, Ag-, Pt-, and Au-electrodes and the microcomponents Hg, Tl, Pb, Bi, and Po confirm the decisive influence of the electrode material on the deposition potential. The present study prepares an application of the same model to the superheavy elements 112-116.