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Updated: May 14, 2026

Laser-heating and Radiance Spectrometry for the Study of Nuclear Materials in Conditions Simulating a Nuclear Power Plant Accident
Published on: December 14, 2017
Thermodynamic Properties, Crystallization Kinetics and Crystal Morphology of Plutonium Oxalate Crystals: A Review
Yunhai Huang1, Yongxue Guo1, Siwen Yuan1,2
1China Nuclear Power Engineering Co., Ltd., Beijing 100840, China.
Abstract:
As a key type of precursor material in the nuclear fuel cycle process, plutonium oxalate has long played a critical role in the purification and conversion of plutonium. Its crystallization behavior directly affects the subsequent production process and properties of plutonium oxide. This review systematically summarizes the research progress of plutonium oxalate crystals in thermodynamics, crystallization kinetics, and crystal morphology. It introduces the structural characteristics of plutonium oxalate crystals, their solubility in nitric acid-oxalic acid mixed systems, and the thermodynamic properties such as the redox stability of plutonium oxalate crystals of different valence states. It also summarizes the nucleation, growth, and coprecipitation kinetics of plutonium oxalate crystals. The diversity of plutonium oxalate crystal morphologies and their influence on subsequent thermal decomposition are discussed.
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