Micro-ERDA measurements of hydrogen distribution in natural Pd–Pt compounds

Micro-ERDA is a unique technique for the measurement of the 2.5D distribution of hydrogen. In this work, this technique is applied to geological samples and in particular Pd–Pt-containing compounds found at the Serra Pelada Au–Pd–Pt deposit. This deposit triggered the most spectacular gold rush in the Amazon region of Brazil in recent history. The sample material is especially important because it represents a novel mineralization style of platinum-group elements.
The sample material was taken from a drill core, filled with resin since it was porous rock, cut and polished. The samples were analysed by simultaneous measurements of PIXE and ERDA with the Dresden-Rossendorf Nuclear Microprobe using a 2 MeV He ion beam. The angle of incidence between beam and sample surface was 15°. The PIXE maps were used to locate the areas of interest because the exact beam position on the target is very critical with this incidence angle. PIXE was also used to determine the matrix composition that is needed for the stopping power calculation in the ERDA analysis.
The results of the measurements and its interpretation are presented. The measurements confirm the presence of hydrogen in the Pd–Pt compounds (either as hydroxide, or hydrated oxide), so far only suspected, and help to better understand the formation process of Pd–Pt mineralization in oxic near-surface environments.