Quantitative elemental analysis of metal ions in aqueous solutions by electrodeposition-assisted laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (EA-LIBS)

Abstract

In order to operate the molten salt reactor safely and efficiently, the integrity of the structural materials should be periodically assessed to replace or purify the structural materials. Since it is difficult to directly detect the surface of structural materials in an operating reactor, analysis of the coolant is being studied as an alternative method. This study aims to detect trace metal ions in an aqueous solution and measure their concentrations using laser spectroscopy assisted by electrodeposition. The detection limits of Ni and Fe were calculated when analyzing solutions containing NiCl$_2$ or FeCl$_2$, which are the major corrosion products of Hastelloy-N alloys. In addition, quantitative analysis was performed by interpreting electrochemical and spectroscopic data for each substance's concentration when analyzing samples made by co-deposition of Ni and Fe.