Preparation of actinide oxides

When the quantity of the material that can be used is not of concern, classical methods of preparing the oxides are used. Thus, one may use the approach of precipitating an oxalate, and after washing and drying, calcine in air to obtain the oxide. Oxides of specific stoichiometry would be obtained by subsequent experimental treatment (e.g., hydrogen reduction of Am02 to obtain the sesquioxide). However, in many cases microtechniques are necessary for the preparation of actinide oxides. In some situations these techniques may require novel approaches to the preparation and study of the oxides. Such techniques may also limit the depth and accuracy of the study. 

An additional overview is given below for preparing specific actinide oxides, and discussions on the preparation of actinide oxides are also provided in a recent chapter on the subject (Morss 1991). 

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