Preparation of Sm and Eu Thick Targets by Using One Cycle Molecular Plating Method

Key words: 
• molecular plating /
• preparation /
• rare earth element /
• thick target /
• spectrophotometry determination

Abstract: Study on the chemical properties of Super Heavy Elements (SHE) is one of the most important research aspects in nuclear chemistry. In order to study the chemical properties of SHE (Rf and Db), we can use the heavy ion beam of 22Ne to bombard the thick targets of Sm and Eu to prepare the isotopes of Hf and Ta and then do model experiments. Therefore, preparation of uniform, stable and thick targets of Sm and Eu is the key for the research. In this paper, the preparation process of thick targets of Sm and Eu from the isopropyl alcohol and nitric acid system was studied by using one cycle molecular plating method. Under the conditions that the current density was 3.8 mA/cm2, the distance between the two poles was 3 cm and the deposition lasted 1 h, the best results that the deposition yield was above 95% and the thickness of Sm and Eu targets was 1.6 and 1.5 mg/cm2 respectively which were determined by spectrophotometry were obtained.