Electrodeposition methods in superheavy element chemistry

Abstract

To prepare electrodeposition experiments with superheavy elements (SHE), their homologs were investigated. In the experiments, various electrode materials and electrolytes were used. Critical potentials ( E crit ) where the electrodeposition starts and potentials for the deposition of 50% of the atoms in solution ( E 50% ) were determined. Underpotential deposition was observed in most cases. An electrolytic cell for a fast electrochemical deposition was developed and the time for the deposition of 50% of the atoms in solution ( t 50% ) was determined. Short lived α-emitting isotopes were produced at Gesellschaft für Schwerionenforschung (GSI), Darmstadt, transferred to the aqueous phase with ALOHA (Automated Liquid Online Heavy element Apparatus), transported to an electrolytic cell and deposited on a palladinated Ni tape. It was shown that the coupling of devices for collection, electrodeposition, and α-spectroscopy is feasible and might be of great use in SHE chemistry.