Thermodynamic Properties, Crystallization Kinetics and Crystal Morphology of Plutonium Oxalate Crystals: A Review

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.