Electrochemical separation of aluminum from uranium for research reactor spent nuclear fuel applications
Researchers at Argonne National Laboratory (ANL) are developing an electrorefining process to treat aluminum-based spent nuclear fuel by electrochemically separating aluminum from uranium. The aluminum electrorefiner is modeled after the high-throughput electrorefiner developed at ANL. Aluminum is e...
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Published in | Separation and purification technology Vol. 15; no. 3; pp. 197 - 205 |
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Main Authors | , , , |
Format | Journal Article |
Language | English |
Published |
Amsterdam
Elsevier B.V
03.05.1999
Elsevier Science |
Subjects | |
Online Access | Get full text |
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Summary: | Researchers at Argonne National Laboratory (ANL) are developing an electrorefining process to treat aluminum-based spent nuclear fuel by electrochemically separating aluminum from uranium. The aluminum electrorefiner is modeled after the high-throughput electrorefiner developed at ANL. Aluminum is electrorefined, using a fluoride salt electrolyte, in a potential range of −0.1
V to −0.2
V, while uranium is electrorefined in a potential range of −0.3
V to −0.4
V; therefore, aluminum can be selectively separated electrochemically from uranium. A series of laboratory-scale experiments was performed to demonstrate the aluminum electrorefining concept. These experiments involved selecting an electrolyte (determining a suitable fluoride salt composition); selecting a crucible material for the electrochemical cell; optimizing the operating conditions; determining the effect of adding alkaline and rare earth elements to the electrolyte; and demonstrating the electrochemical separation of aluminum from uranium, using a U–Al–Si alloy as a simulant for aluminum-based spent nuclear fuel. Results of the laboratory-scale experiments indicate that aluminum can be selectively electrotransported from the anode to the cathode, while uranium remains in the anode basket. |
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Bibliography: | DE-AC02-06CH11357 ANL/CMT/JA-29406 |
ISSN: | 1383-5866 1873-3794 |
DOI: | 10.1016/S1383-5866(98)00101-4 |