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<p>This research develops and rigorously validates a precise quantitative framework based on <i>k</i><sub>0</sub>-Standardized Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis (<i>k</i><sub>0</sub>-INAA). We use a 4.3 Ci <sup>241</sup>Am-Be isotopic neutron source for the direct, non-destructive determination of copper in a complex sulfide ore matrix. A novel internal monitor of gold nanoparticles (28 nm, &gt; 99.97% purity) was co-irradiated. Comprehensive characterization of the neutron spectrum yielded an epithermal shape factor <i>α</i> = 0.0196 ± 0.0005, a thermal flux <i>Φ</i><sub>th</sub> = (2473.5 ± 49.5) n cm⁻<sup>2</sup> s⁻<sup>1</sup>, an epithermal flux <i>Φ</i><sub>epi</sub> = (27.09 ± 0.81) n cm⁻<sup>2</sup> s⁻<sup>1</sup>, and a flux ratio <i>f</i> = 91.32 ± 3.65. Our analysis included rigorous corrections for neutron self-shielding and gamma-ray attenuation. Using a heavily shielded NaI(Tl) detector, we achieved a stable background of only 8 counts per second and recorded well-resolved photopeaks of <sup>64</sup>Cu (511 keV) and <sup>198</sup>Au (411.8 keV). The final copper concentration was determined to be <i>C</i><sub>Cu</sub> = (25.86 ± 3.72) wt%. Independent validation by ICP-OES yielded <i>C</i><sub>Cu</sub> = 24.31 wt%, demonstrating exceptional concordance with a relative difference of about 6.4%, which is statistically acceptable given the expanded uncertainties. This composition definitively identifies the ore as high-grade chalcopyrite (CuFeS₂). Our findings establish <i>k</i><sub>0</sub>-INAA with an <sup>241</sup>Am-Be source as a powerful, accessible, and non-destructive analytical asset for quantitative geochemistry and mineral exploration.</p>

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k0-standardized INAA with a low-flux 241Am–Be neutron source for copper determination in chalcopyrite ores

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2026年6月23日

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  • Kourosh Sadeghi,
  • Mojtaba Tajik

摘要

This research develops and rigorously validates a precise quantitative framework based on k0-Standardized Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis (k0-INAA). We use a 4.3 Ci 241Am-Be isotopic neutron source for the direct, non-destructive determination of copper in a complex sulfide ore matrix. A novel internal monitor of gold nanoparticles (28 nm, > 99.97% purity) was co-irradiated. Comprehensive characterization of the neutron spectrum yielded an epithermal shape factor α = 0.0196 ± 0.0005, a thermal flux Φth = (2473.5 ± 49.5) n cm⁻2 s⁻1, an epithermal flux Φepi = (27.09 ± 0.81) n cm⁻2 s⁻1, and a flux ratio f = 91.32 ± 3.65. Our analysis included rigorous corrections for neutron self-shielding and gamma-ray attenuation. Using a heavily shielded NaI(Tl) detector, we achieved a stable background of only 8 counts per second and recorded well-resolved photopeaks of 64Cu (511 keV) and 198Au (411.8 keV). The final copper concentration was determined to be CCu = (25.86 ± 3.72) wt%. Independent validation by ICP-OES yielded CCu = 24.31 wt%, demonstrating exceptional concordance with a relative difference of about 6.4%, which is statistically acceptable given the expanded uncertainties. This composition definitively identifies the ore as high-grade chalcopyrite (CuFeS₂). Our findings establish k0-INAA with an 241Am-Be source as a powerful, accessible, and non-destructive analytical asset for quantitative geochemistry and mineral exploration.