Abstract
By means of a linear sweep voltammetry, a cyclic voltammetry and a chronopotentiometry, the electrolytic reduction of uranium oxide has been studied to establish the reduction mechanisms, which are based on a simultaneous uranium oxide reduction and a Li2O electrowinning, and the formation and electrolysis of lithium uranate. From the voltammograms, the reduction potentials of the uranium oxide and Li2O were obtained. From the chronopotentio-metries based on the results of the voltammograms, the uranium oxide was reduced to uranium metal through the reduction mechanisms showing a more than 99% conversion. For a verification of the reduction mechanisms feasibility, basic data on the electrolytic reduction of the uranium oxide was obtained from the experiments and the characteristics of the closed recycle of L2O were discussed.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 587-595 |
| Number of pages | 9 |
| Journal | Journal of Nuclear Science and Technology |
| Volume | 43 |
| Issue number | 5 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 2006 |
Bibliographical note
Funding Information:The authors appreciate the support of the Ministry of Science & Technology. This research is implemented as part of the National Mid-and Long-term Atomic Energy R&D Program, which is supported by the Ministry of Science & Technology. It includes the results of the program, ‘‘Development of Advanced Spent Fuel Management Technology.’’
Keywords
- Electrolytic reduction
- Mechanism
- Molten salt
- Uranium oxide
- Voltammetry
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Nuclear and High Energy Physics
- Nuclear Energy and Engineering