Abstract
An integrated analytical approach, which combines elemental [scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM/EDS)] and molecular (Raman) chemical imaging techniques, has been utilized for the characterization of a residual phase of gallium in mixed oxide (MOX) surrogate material. Surrogate MOX materials are comprised of CeO<sub>2</sub> in place of PuO<sub>2</sub>. In real MOX materials, PuO<sub>2</sub> is mixed with UO<sub>2</sub> as a commercial fuel source. A Ga phase remains in the surrogate sample following reductive heating experiments designed to explore the removal of gallium from weapons-grade plutonium. The SEM/EDS data reveal the concentration of Ga within the grain boundaries of the sample and a distribution of Ce and O throughout the sample matrix. Molecular analysis provided by Raman chemical matrix imaging correlates with the SEM/EDS elemental imaging results. Specifically, the Raman data suggest that the matrix is comprised of CeO<sub>2</sub> and grain boundaries are a mixed phase comprised of CeO<sub>2</sub> with a form of Ga, most likely a CeGaO<sub>3</sub> perovskite phase having a cubic structure.
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