Improving instrumental neutron activation analysis detection limit using Monte Carlo simulation for lanthanides determination in Algerian phosphate

ABSTRACT

Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis (INAA) is one of the best methods to analyse Rare Earth Elements (REE) with a low detection limit in phosphate samples. Since most lanthanides emit gamma rays at the energy below 1000 keV, this energy range is affected by the Bremsstrahlung noise of beta emission produced by the ³¹P(n,γ)³²P reaction, when the irradiation of the P₂O₅ composing the phosphate matrix (approximately 30%). This beta (β⁻) spectrum with a maximum energy of 1.71 MeV (average energy of 695 keV) affects the gamma spectrum and will reduce the detection limit significantly, other factors decrease the detection limit of lanthanides like neutron self-shielding and interference. In the present work, an analysis methodology based on optimising the measurement parameters of the INAA technique was implemented to improve the detection limits for the precise evaluation of lanthanide concentrations in Algerian phosphate deposits. The complete procedure was developed using a combination of a Monte Carlo simulation approach and experimental measurements. Two models were developed based on Monte Carlo simulation for the calibration of HPGe detector efficiency and the optimisation of type and filter thickness to reduce the beta spectrum (Bremsstrahlung) emitted by the ³²P produced by neutron capture reaction ³¹P(n, γ) ³²P. The developed model allowed a considerable improvement in the detection limit of the INAA technique and reduced the uncertainty in the lanthanide concentration. Finally, the methodology was applied to determine lanthanide elements in phosphate samples with good precision.

KEYWORDS:

• Instrumental neutron activation analysis
• Monte Carlo simulation
• beta spectrum reduction
• detection limit
• lanthanide concentrations
• phosphate

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).