Modeling of anodic dissolution of U–Pu–Zr ternary alloy in the molten LiCl–KCl electrolyte

Iizuka, Masatoshi; Kinoshita, Kensuke; Koyama, Tadafumi

doi:10.1016/j.jpcs.2004.06.055

Cited by 44 publications

(24 citation statements)

References 9 publications

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“…The amount of U-Zr loaded into the anode basket (typically 2-3 g) was always in excess compared to the amount of U dissolved by anodic oxidation, in order to prevent Zr oxidation (U is selectively dissolved since it is less noble than Zr [12] During electrodeposition, cathodic, anodic and cell potentials were monitored and samples (about 100 mg) were taken from the salt phase before and after each electrolysis.…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

On the formation of U–Al alloys in the molten LiCl–KCl eutectic

Cassayre

Caravaca

Jardin³

et al. 2008

Journal of Nuclear Materials

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U-Al alloy formation has been studied in the temperature range of 400 -550 °C by electrochemical techniques in the molten LiCl-KCl eutectic. Cyclic voltammetry showed that underpotential reduction of U(III) onto solid Al occurs at a potential about 0.35 V more anodic than pure U deposition. Open circuit potential measurements, recorded after small depositions of U metal onto the Al electrode, did not allow the distinction between potentials associated with UAl x alloys and the Al rest potential, as they were found to be practically identical. As a consequence, a spontaneous chemical reaction between dissolved UCl 3 and Al is thermodynamically possible and was experimentally observed.Galvanostatic electrolyses were carried out both on Al rods and Al plates. Stable and dense U-Al deposits were obtained with high faradic yields, and the possibility to load the whole bulk of a thin Al plate was demonstrated. The analyses (by SEM-EDX and XRD) of the deposits indicated the formation of different intermetallic phases (UAl 2 , UAl 3 and UAl 4 ) depending on the experimental conditions.

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Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

On the formation of U–Al alloys in the molten LiCl–KCl eutectic

Cassayre

Caravaca

Jardin³

et al. 2008

Journal of Nuclear Materials

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“…The cathodic cut-off potential was set to a value of −1.25 V which ensures conditions for a selective grouped separation of An from Ln [10,11]. A potential of −1.00 V was used as the anode cut-off potential to avoid oxidation of Zr from the U-Pu-Zr alloy [20]. For all runs under potentiostatic conditions, a cathode potential of −1.25 V was applied.…”

Section: Electrorefining Of U-pu-zr Alloymentioning

confidence: 99%

Electrorefining of U-Pu-Zr-alloy fuel onto solid Aluminium cathodes in molten LiCl-KCl

Souček¹,

Cassayre²,

Malmbeck³

et al. 2008

Radiochimica Acta

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An electrorefining process in molten chloride salts using solid aluminium cathodes is being developed at ITU to recover actinides (An) from the spent nuclear fuel. The maximum possible loading of aluminium electrodes with actinides was investigated during the electrorefining of U-Pu-Zr alloy in a LiCl-KCl eutectic at 450 • C. Two different electrolytic techniques were applied during the experiment and almost 6000 C has been passed, corresponding to 3.7 g of deposited actinides. A very high capacity of aluminium to retain actinides has been proven as the average Al : An mass ratio was 1 : 1.58 for galvanostatic and 1 : 2.25 for potentiostatic mode. The obtained deposits were characterized by XRD and SEM-EDX analysis and alloys composed of (U,Pu)Al 3 were detected. The influence of zirconium co-oxidation during the process was also investigated and the presence of dissolved Zr ions in the melt yielded a significant deterioration of the quality of the deposit.

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“…After 1600 C the anode potential suddenly increased and the electrolysis was stopped. According to the weight and composition of the UZr alloy, at this point the anode was depleted in U and the positive jump in anodic potential indicated the start of Zr dissolution (above À1.0 V) [17]. The anode was then replaced by the UPuZr alloy.…”

Section: Potential Evolution During Electrorefiningmentioning

confidence: 99%