Development of an analytical method for nickel isotopes using an automated sample preparation system and ICP-QQQ-MS

Do, V. K.  ; Kitamura, Kiyoshi; Horita, Takuma ; Furuse, Takahiro

We report an application of automated devices for multi-step chemical separation for nickel and an idea of subsequent quantification for Ni-59 using ICP-QQQ-MS. Nickel is separated on our selected automated instruments applying a conventional separation scheme. The obtained chemical recovery for Ni standard carrier was 89.8% (relative standard deviation, RSD of 2.9%, n = 3), which is consistent with the manually obtained recovery of 87.0% (RSD = 2.2%, n = 3). The quantification of Ni-59 by ICP-QQQ-MS was examined. Accordingly, the intensity of 59Ni could be deduced from an intensity correction curve for natural isotopes of nickel. The proposed analytical method is more rapid and less laborious, being expected to reduce radiation exposure to workers.