EXISTING METHODS FOR DISSOLUTION OF PLUTONIUM DIOXIDE .2. REDOX DISSOLUTION OF PLUTONIUM DIOXIDE WITH THE USE OF HOMOGENEOUS CATALYSTS

Methods for dissolution of plutonium dioxide, published since early 19 70s and up to the second half of 1995, are surveyed. Two major lines a re discussed: electrochemical oxidative dissolution in nitric acid wit h Ag(II) as a catalyst and oxidative dissolution catalyzed by cerium(I V) in the presence of anions of oxygen-containing acids of Group IV-VI I elements. The experience of the United States, France, and Russia in studying the kinetics and mechanism of the processes and the use of t hese processes for dissolving plutonium from recycled products and was tes from plutonium production and production of MOX fuel is considered .