ABSTRACTThe incorporation of Pu and Np in zirconolite
(CaZrTi2O7) has been investigated over a range of
redox conditions. Zirconolite formulations designed to favour either
trivalent or tetravalent Pu and Np were prepared by limiting the amount of
charge compensating additives available to maintain electroneutrality. From
near-edge X-ray absorption spectroscopy the Pu valence state was found to
vary with the processing atmosphere, from completely tetravalent when fired
in air, and located on either the Ca or Zr sites, to trivalent, when
substituted on the Ca site after annealing in 3.5%
H2/N2. Np was predominantly tetravalent over the
range of redox conditions examined and was readily incorporated on either of
zirconolite's Ca or Zr sites. The charge compensation mechanisms at work in
different zirconolites are also discussed.