Radiochemical separation and purification of non-carrier-added silicon-32

Abstract 32 Si ( T 1/2 = 153(19) y) is an extremely rare, naturally-occurring isotope that has been considered as a geochronometer suitable for radiometric dating over the time span from 100 to 1000 years ago – proved rather difficult explore in this manner. Past attempts determine half-life have resulted wide range of values possessing significant uncertainties because only low-activity samples could be made available such measurements. Utilizing 590 MeV ring cyclotron at PSI, megabecquerel quantities produced by exposing metallic vanadium discs high-energy protons order induce spallation. A radiochemical separation procedure successfully developed and applied irradiated part SINCHRON project, based on combination ion-exchange extraction resins. The process was shown reliable robust with high chemical yield. Radiochemically pure solutions activity concentrations up several kBq/g can perform individual measurements (AMS, ICP-MS, LSC) various studies. Thus, careful redetermination become feasible begin first steps toward confident implementation radionuclide geochronological purposes.