Comment on ‘Plutonium chemistry: a synthesis of experimental data and a quantitative model for plutonium oxide solubility’ by J.M. Haschke and V.M. Oversby

In part of a recent paper [J. Nucl. Mater. 305 (2002) 187] the authors examined the published data on the disproportionation of Pu(V) and the self-reduction of Pu(VI) in aqueous solution. They conclude that alpha particle-induced reduction of Pu(VI) is contrary to the experimental observations. It is shown here that, with the exception of results at pH 6, the authors have misinterpreted the published data. It is also demonstrated that the published data are in agreement with the generally accepted alpha-reduction mechanism.