Solid Oxide Membrane Process for the Reduction of Uranium Oxide Surrogate in Spent Nuclear Fuel

摘要

Solid oxide membrane (SOM) electrolysis was employed to reduce ytterbium oxide (Yb_2O_3) which was identified as a possible surrogate for uranium oxide in spent nuclear fuel treatment. In this research, an yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) tube was used as the SOM membrane in a LiF-YbF_3-Yb_2O_3 salt to reduce ytterbium (Yb) metal on an inert cathode. The melting point of the supporting electrolyte (LiF-YbF_3) was analyzed as a function of Yb_2O_3 concentration. The stability of YSZ tubes at the electrolysis operating temperature in the chosen flux was characterized. Yb metal deposited on the cathode during the SOM electrolysis process was analyzed.