Synthesis and characterization of nanocrystalline U$_{1-x}$Pu$_{x}$O$_{2(+y)}$ mixed oxides

G. Kauric, O. Walter, A. Beck, B. Schacherl, O. Dieste Blanco, J.-F. Vigier, E. Zuleger, T. Vitova, K. Popa
2020
We report here the first synthesis of mixed oxide U$_{1-x}$Pu$_{x}$O$_{2(+y)}$ nanoparticles. The obtained nanopowders were characterized by X-ray diffraction, thermal ionization mass spectrometry, transmission electron microscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and U M$_{4}$ edge high-energy-resolution X-ray absorption near edge structure (HR-XANES). The HR-XANES spectra give evidence for the partial oxidation of U$^{IV}$ to U$^{V}$. This novel route toward the formation of actinide–actinide solid
more » ... n opens research opportunities that are not accessible using bulk materials. We give details on the X-ray diffraction study on plutonium oxalate hexahydrate, as a reagent for the synthesis of such nanoparticles.
doi:10.5445/ir/1000125234 fatcat:krkoryp2p5hwja6fbw4o3usapu