“…It is known that, due to the condensation of water inside the roof of the original Chernobyl sarcophagus (as a result of the temperature differential within and outside the structure), and the presence of holes in the sarcophagus roof, a significant proportion of water has dripped onto the LFCM causing it to corrode. 16,23 This is apparent from the presence of yellow secondary alteration products formed on the surface of LFCM, known to include paulscherrerite (UO 2 (OH) 2 ); studtite (UO 4 1,18,24,25 These phases have potential to generate significant amounts of radioactive, uranium-bearing dust when the humidity within the sarcophagus falls below 85%. 23,26,27 Understanding the corrosion behaviour of LFCM, and developing a detailed evaluation of the kinetics and mechanisms of dissolution, are vital to support ongoing decommissioning efforts-both at Chernobyl and also at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant, where LFCM-type materials are thought to have formed, which largely remain submerged in water used to cool the melted core.…”