Impact of the plutonium content on dissolution kinetics of (U1-xPux)O2±δ powders

• Published in: Hydrometallurgy Vol. 198; p. 105504
• Main Authors: Ziouane, Yannis, Arab-Chapelet, Bénédicte, Leturcq, Gilles
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier B.V 01.12.2020
• Subjects: Characterization; Dissolution kinetics; Mixed oxides; Plutonium content; Powder; PuO2; Syntheses; UO2; Characterization; Plutonium content; UO2; Mixed oxides; PuO2; Powder; Syntheses; Dissolution kinetics
• ISSN: 0304-386X; 1879-1158
• DOI: 10.1016/j.hydromet.2020.105504

Several (U1-xPux)O2±δ powders with different morphologies and different plutonium contents were synthetized using a sol-gel route. All the powders were fully characterized to quantify their structural parameters. After understanding and verification of the morphological effects on mixed oxide dissolution, this study consists of quantification of effect of plutonium content on dissolution kinetics using nitric acid 8.5 M at 95 °C. Significant differences in dissolution kinetics were observed. Indeed, the plutonium content is a key parameter that has to be considered in studies of (U1-xPux)O2±δ dissolution kinetics. A kinetics law was established and validated for dissolutions within these particular experimental conditions. •Synthesis of several U1-xPuxO2±δ powders with different morphologies and different plutonium contents using sol-gel route.•Characterization of mixed uranium plutonium oxides.•Dissolution of mixed uranium plutonium oxide powders in nitric acid 8.5 M at 95 °C.•discrimination of the effects of morphology and plutonium content on the kinetics of dissolution.