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Reaction of plutonium with water kinetic and equilibrium behavior of binary and ternary phases in the Pu + O + H system

Technical Report ·
DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/6477375· OSTI ID:6477375

The kinetic and equilibrium behavior of the Pu + O + H system has been studied by measuring the production of hydrogen gas formed by a sequence of hydrolysis reactions. The kinetic dependence of the Pu + H/sub 2/O reaction on salt concentration and temperature has been defined. The metal is quantitatively converted to a fine black powder which has been identified as plutonium monoxide monohydride, PuOH. Other hydrolysis products formed in aqueous media include a second oxide hydride, Pu/sub 7/O/sub 9/H/sub 3/, and the oxides Pu/sub 2/O/sub 3/, Pu/sub 7/O/sub 12/, Pu/sub 9/O/sub 16/, Pu/sub 10/O/sub 18/, Pu/sub 12/O/sub 22/, and PuO/sub 2/. Thermal decomposition products of PuOH include Pu/sub 2/O/sub 2/H and PuO. A tentative phase diagram for Pu + O + H is presented and structural relationships of the oxide hydrides and oxides are discussed. 10 figures, 5 tables.

Research Organization:
Rockwell International Corp., Golden, CO (USA). Rocky Flats Plant
DOE Contract Number:
AC04-76DP03533
OSTI ID:
6477375
Report Number(s):
RFP-3416; ON: DE83006752
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

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