Voltammetry detection of copper in high specific activity 64Cu

Voltammetry in cathodic stripping mode was used to measure ultratrace levels of copper in preparations of very high specific activity 64Cu produced via the 64Zn(n,p)64Cu reaction. With high-purity targets and reagents, strict acid-wash procedures and careful handling, specific activities of up to 4×1016 Bq g−1 at 8 h after EOB could be attained when irradiating in a high flux reactor. During irradiation also 65Cu is formed via the route 64Zn(n,γ)65Zn→65Cu, and this contribution to the total amount of copper in high specific activity 64Cu preparations is not always negligible.