The Price of 1 Gram of Plutonium-239: A Comprehensive Guide

Plutonium, particularly Pu-239, is a highly regulated and controlled substance. Due to its critical role in nuclear technology and weapons, obtaining detailed pricing information is challenging. However, historical data and recent reports provide insight into the market dynamics surrounding Pu-239.

The Cost of Plutonium-239

Between 2000 and 2010, several sources reported varying prices for relatively pure Plutonium. The cost per gram fluctuated between a low of $3,975 and a high of $5,765. It is important to note that these figures pertain to non-specific isotopes and do not specifically mention Pu-239. The isotope separation, a process that can significantly impact the cost, is exceptionally difficult and costly. Current reports do not indicate any efforts to separate Pu-239 isotopically, which would only increase the costs further.

Recent Pricing Information from the U.S. Department of Energy (DoE)

As of 2021, the U.S. Department of Energy (DoE) published a price list for Plutonium-239. For 99.96% pure Pu metal, the price per gram is $10,990. However, it is crucial to have all the necessary licenses in place to obtain Plutonium. Without the proper licenses, no Plutonium can be provided. This stringent regulation underscores the critical nature and potential dangers associated with this isotope.

Isotope Separation: A Costly but Necessary Process

Isotope separation in Plutonium is exceptionally challenging and expensive. The specific isotope Pu-239 is particularly difficult to separate from Pu-240 due to the latter's tendency to undergo spontaneous fission. This property makes the assembly of even partial critical masses exceedingly difficult.

The Manhattan Project, a pivotal period in the development of nuclear weapons, faced this exact challenge. The implosion technique, used in Plutonium weapons, was developed precisely to address these issues. Pu-240, in particular, is prone to spontaneous fission, requiring a subcritical to supercritical transition to avoid premature fission. This implosion method provided a reliable pathway to achieve the necessary supercritical conditions without the complications of using a less pure isotope.

Current Market and Regulatory Landscape

The current market for Plutonium-239 is tightly controlled due to its potential military and civilian applications. The stringent licensing requirements reflect the international concerns regarding the use and proliferation of nuclear materials. Despite the high costs associated with both production and separation, the demand for high-purity Plutonium-239 remains significant in various fields, including advanced nuclear reactors and defense systems.

Conclusion and Future Outlook

While the cost of 1 gram of Plutonium-239 varies and is subject to market fluctuations, the current pricing from the DoE indicates a significant cost barrier. The regulatory landscape remains highly restrictive, ensuring the safe handling and use of this material. Future developments in isotope separation techniques could potentially impact the cost, but current efforts suggest that it is unlikely to reduce the price significantly.