Pu metal is unique is in its bulk and surface properties due to highly-correlated 5f electrons. It is believed that the native oxide which develops on metals is highly disordered and it is largely the role of these electrons which stabilizes these structures and dictates the surface chemistry. The growth and formation of these oxides, and the subsequent chemistry and the thermo-physical properties these oxides possess, is of particular interest to the nuclear fuels industry. The use of plutonium in Mixed Oxide (MOX) fuels makes understanding the fundamental chemistry ever important, particularly with regards to their use in next generation reactors. High purity oxides and oxide grown on metal surfaces were studied using a variety of techniques, e.g. EXAFS, reflectometry, and ellipsometry, to determine the impact of sample morphology and preparation on chemical and physical properties. The local structure and its impact on the material’s optical properties will be discussed.

Understanding the surface chemistry of PuO<sub>2</sub>

252nd National Meeting (2016)

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.

Understanding the surface chemistry of PuO2

Understanding the surface chemistry of PuO₂