Complexing membrane for uranium detection by total reflection X-ray fluorescence

Selective membranes containing a few micrograms of various complexing reagents in a polyvinyl chloride (PVC) matrix were produced in order to determine low uranium concentrations in water. The membranes were produced on the surfaces of quartz glasses, and immersed in water solutions containing uranium salts (5 - 50 ng/mL). By the end of the equilibration time, the membranes were left to dry and analyzed based on the total reflection X-ray fluorescence. The effects of the complexing agents and their mass proportions added in the membranes were studied. The combination of the complexing reagents dithizone and thiourea gave the best result. The minimum detection limit was measured to be equal to 0.8 ng/mL. (author)