The Kinetics of O_(2) Reduction Studies on Hyperstoichiometric UO_(2.002) Electrode

摘要

The cathodic reduction of O_(2) is one of the major reactions involved in nuclear fuel corrosion under permanent waste disposal conditions. The kinetics of this reaction have been studied in dilute alkaline aqueous solution on a slightly hyperstoichiometric UO_(2.002) electrode using rotating disc techniques. Overall, a four electron reduction to OH~(-) with a reaction order of one with respect to O_(2) has been observed under these conditions. However once blockage of active sites occurs by adsorption or surface oxidation, the O_(2) reduction reaction may deviate from the four-electron process.