Electrochemical Investigations on Doped and Undoped UO2 Spent Fuel Model Surfaces

Electrochemistry studies were carried out on UO2 and Pd-doped UO2 films, prepared by sputter deposition. The UO2/Pd films are used as models to study the influence of ε-particles on the surface corrosion of spent nuclear fuel (SNF). The films provide a less complex system than real SNF samples, allowing for mechanistic investigations. Surface composition and chemical state are checked by X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS). The redox behaviour was investigated by open circuit potential measurements (OCP). Previous measurements under oxidative conditions were extended to a more reductive environment (Ar, Ar/H2). Aim of the studies is to clarify the mechanism of SNF matrix stabilization by H2 in aqueous solution. Special emphasis was put on the reaction of the system when switching from oxidative to reductive conditions or vice-versa.

PETERSMANN Tobias;  SEIBERT Alice;  WEGEN Detlef;  GOUDER Thomas;  STUMPF Silvia;  FANGHAENEL Thomas; 

2012-02-07

Karlsruher Institut für Technologie

JRC65108

978-3-86644-756-1,   

1869-9669,