Controlled Potential Coulometry for the accurate determination of plutonium in the presence of uranium: The role of sulfate complexation.

Controlled Potential Coulometry (CPC) is generally regarded as one of the most accurate analytical methods available for the quantification of plutonium (Pu) in acidic aqueous solutions. With a growing use of mixed oxide nuclear fuel, there has been an interest in the technique's applicability to the analysis of Pu in the presence of uranium (U). Expanding on previous studies, the work presented herein demonstrates the highly accurate CPC analysis of Pu in mixed solutions (Pu + U) containing large quantities of U (U:Pu up to 100:1) as well as establishing the role played by sulfate anions during the analyses.