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

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 solution 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.